Steveo’s best bets 15/05/2025

[Steveo13]

Riccarton Race 7 – 1200m

Best Bet – HIVARI

Caught the eye last week in a small field when steaming home late after giving the winner 4kg – a serious effort. Carries 60kg this time, but the engine’s there, and if the tempo suits, should be right in the thick of it. The one they all have to hold out.

Main Danger – FLOWER MOON

Drawn sweetly in gate 4 and a real fan of the Riccarton turf. Consistent stats and rarely far away – the type that sneaks under the radar. Keep very safe.

Roughie – FOREVER BABE

Loves this kind of going and knows how to win here. Same gate, same trip, and while it’s a step up, she’s shown enough at the grade below to warrant serious roughie respect. Not without a shake.

Riccarton Race 8 – 1200m

Best Bet – JUSTADANCE

Last-start 6th better than it looks – ran on strongly and looks to be peaking second-up. Up in grade but trending the right way. One to follow this prep, and this could be the start of something. Back with confidence.

Main Danger – BUOYANT

Fresh off a strong win at the course and carries momentum. Sain Kirkland has them ticking over nicely – when this stable lines them up, they rarely miss. Genuine threat.

Roughie – SPARTAN

Gate’s awkward, but has the toe to offset that and should press on early. Light weight helps, and if he gets a soft sectional or two, he’ll dig in for the fight late. Not out of it.

OTHERS TO WATCH

R3 EL ULTIMO, unlucky on the grass 2 back, forget run in the wet last start. 
R5 INTERLAGOS, ding best work late when 7th, watch

R5 QEEN OF NAPLES, eye catching run when 4th, can win.