Wanganui selections 30/08/2025

[Steveo13]

Race 1
Feel The Stag put in a solid performance last weekend following an impressive trial and looks worth backing up. Dark Tornado, out of a four-start Australian mare who placed twice, has strengthened this preparation and comes off back-to-back trial wins—expecting a big run. Shameless Star hails from a quality Windsor Park Stud family and impressed with a Foxton trial win; with a great draw and no weight, looks well placed. Amazing Son is entered in two races and is capable of winning whichever he lines up in.

Race 2
Amazing Son ran well behind Rapid Response on unsuitable conditions and deserves another chance. Time After Time attracted strong support last weekend and showed promise in an exciting trial—should run boldly. Hard Rock Cafe looked ready to go next up when parading up. Zashubo, from a respected island family, had a solid first-up run and is one to keep safe. Night Owl, suited by the 1340m, missed the jump last time but ran on strongly—another contender in a tricky race.

Race 3
Trainwreck settled back and covered plenty of ground but fought well to the line. With a positive ride and some cover early, will be hard to beat. Crunchie Boy carries 60kg but has been racing in stronger fields and should be competitive. Monologue was considered good enough to run in group company and may find this a touch short but shouldn’t be overlooked. Anaroa was strong through the line when fifth last start and will appreciate the extra distance, worth considering.

Race 4
Farravallo gets in well here with a good draw and should be in the fight to the finish. Turn The Ace has a strong fresh record and benefits from weight relief, with a nice trial win over 1000m to prepare. Catilyn's Wish will be fitter after a solid run on speed last time and should get a great run from barrier two—expecting a strong showing. Amend impressed when fourth on July 26th and with spaced runs, must be considered.

Race 5
Platinum Diamond continues to impress in strong fields and looks the goods to keep winning. To Bravery Born was brave fresh-up 13 days ago and is super talented—will be right in the finish. Daylight Robbery had a nice trial hit-out on the 12th and may need this one but maps to get a good sit. Steezy has a tricky draw but ran a good fifth in the Star Way and is very progressive worth considering.

Race 6
Danjuro is a classy type with a strong first-up record; while 1600m is short of his best, he’ll improve. Zanzibar was brave in defeat and racing in strong fields, looks the one to beat. Dance For Her makes her NZ debut under Cole’s training, watch the tote for clues. Just Charlie was strong late from a bad draw and is looking for more ground—worth following, a win is nearby.

Race 7
Opawa Jack was an impressive trial winner on the 12th and fitter now after a third on the poly—huge chance. Urenui steps up in distance at the right time and is expected to run well. Pride of Aspen is in a purple patch of form, gets in well at the weights and will be competitive. Royal Flower also steps up in distance and has a 60% strike rate second-up—one to watch.

Race 8
Textbook has been around the mark in recent runs and was eye-catching when fifth—2040m looks ideal. Tutins Cans is better than the form suggests and comes off a hurdle trial—could surprise. Cocktail Lad is track-dependent and will be a big show if the surface remains heavy. Dojakata was checked late and improved wide at the 800m—an honest performance and worth a look at odds.

Race 9
Stella Success was strong late through the line and wouldn’t surprise if she wins. Our Lady Brooke retains McNab and will go close. Zizzy Khan’s only win was a dominant one over 2200m and wasn’t fully tested when third in a recent trial—worth considering. Leprekhan looks the favorite, but the only question mark is whether the track keeps improving.