Need an insider tip? We've got you sorted.
Here's your preview to the inaugural running of the ITM/GIB Northern Region Winter Championships taking place at Ruakaka tomorrow (Saturday). Keep reading to see Craig Baker's thoughts on the five finals and some tips from Bill Colgan and Andrew 'Butch' Castles.
Feature race previews | Craig Baker | Executive GM of Racing - Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
Tomorrow at Ruakaka is the inaugural running of the ITM/GIB Northern Region Winter Championships which includes five $60,000 finals.
ITM/GIB 2YO Winter Championship Series Final – 1200
The Steven Cole trained, Mighty Bright, is on top for me. While Deploy has won its last two and will take some beating, Mighty Bright was a fast finishing second behind it at Ruakaka two weeks ago. With the benefit of the inside gate, I expect Mighty Bright to be too strong late.
The dangers include, Deploy and Pacific Dragon.
ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Series Final - 1600
An interesting race with many not tested at the mile. Going for a bit of value here with the locally trained Cruisy Lass who is one that is proven at the distance. From a good draw, she will get an economical run and prove hard to beat.
The dangers include current favourite Smart Rocks and Turn The Ace who appreciates easing in the ground.
ITM/GIB Whangarei Gold Cup Stayers’ Final - 2100
How can you go past Chevron. The locally trained son of El Roca destroyed his rivals at his previous start winning by 8 lengths. It is up in class, and no spoil with the price, but looks terribly difficult to beat.
The dangers include last start winner River Run and Two Madison.
ITM/GIB Sprinters’ Winter Championship Series Final - 1400
A good race befitting the $60,000 stake. Jodelin Gal brings a fair degree of class to this. The daughter of Swiss Ace has won six of 16 and was a gallant third at her previous run in black type company when finding the track too wet. Back to a soft 6 and from a good gate, she should be too good.
The dangers include top weight Irish Girl and Tightlign.
ITM/GIB Progressive Winter Championship Series Final - 1600
For horses that had not won more than one race by 2 May, the Progressive Final has brought together a good field. While I am certainly not downplaying Cakebytheocean's chances, he looks rock bottom odds at $2.10. Ken and Bev Kelso don’t venture to Ruakaka often, but I expect them to strike tomorrow with Rose Crescent. The beautifully bred mare by So You Think out of the stakes winner, Petty Cury, will appreciate the better surface and, if she gets luck from the draw, will be right in the finish.
The obvious danger is Cakebytheocean and Aqua Man.
Need some tips?
Bill Colgan - Whangarei Racing Club General Manager - rates:
Race 5 - 2.44pm - ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Series Final - Cruisy Lass (#11) - Bet: Place
Race 6 - 3.19pm - ITM/GIB Whangarei Gold Cup Stayers' Final - River Run (#2) - Bet: Each way
Race 7 - 3.54pm - ITM/GIB Sprinters' Winter Championship Series Final - Diamond Girl (#10) - Bet: Each way
Race 8 - 4.27pm - ITM/GIB Progressive Winter Championship Series Final - Cakebytheocean (#1) - Bet: Win
Andrew 'Butch' Castles - Waikato Racing Club CEO - rates:
Race 3 - 1.35pm - ITM/GIB 2YO Winter Championship Series Final - Deploy (#1) - Bet: Win
Race 5 - 2.44pm - ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Series Final - Smart Rocks (#4) - Bet: Win
Race 6 - 3.19pm - ITM/GIB Whangarei Gold Cup Stayers' Final - Chevron (#3) - Bet: Win - "The best bet" says Butch
Race 7 - 3.54pm - ITM/GIB Sprinters' Winter Championship Series Final - Jodelin Gal (#4) - Bet: Win
Race 8 - 4.27pm - ITM/GIB Progressive Winter Championship Series Final - Cakebytheocean (#1) - Bet: Win
In Ruakaka and keen to get oncourse? Gates open at 11 and entry is free.