ROCKLANDER needed his seasonal debut but ran well for a long way before being noticeably eased and treated kindly at the business of the that race. The intermediate 2 miles 6 and 1/2 furlongs on ground likely to soften as the day goes on looks ideal, in a competitive race and with the sons Trainer taking a handy Claim off, bang on the kind of mark that it can do some damage from.

TONTOS SPIRIT is backed very much with the mindset of "place value" against a couple at the top of the market who look likely to dominate. Tontos Spirit is fit; will find this probably an easier and more suitable race than it was in last time out, where it ran with distinction and better than pure analysis may indicate and any rain that falls is a bonus for the selection and frankly, not many in the race can say that.

SHARP RESPONSE is a sporting tip in a very tough race. The form of OTAGO TRAIL is compelling but on first run since February 2017 you have to have fitness doubts although the stable are in fine fettle and produced one yesterday after a decent break. Lake View Lad and Ami Desbois are definitely horses to follow the conundrum again is how ready are they on seasonal debut?. One who has had a run is BISHOPS ROAD, as recently as last week, IF this is not too soon, it could better the runner up position in this race last year and any rain will be very welcome. Trainer Kerry Lee has probably suffered most from the lack of rain that has hampered many NH Trainers preparations, but a lack of a winner recently is a worry, but one of those Yards to possibly follow strongly once the winner comes as she will have many desperate to run on soft Going. SHARP RESPONSE has the benefit therefore of being race fit, on a nice handicap mark, in an easier race than last time out and is fancied above Captain Chaos who also gets optimum conditions here.