A race meeting in Southland 10 days into June hasn't been normal practice but there has been no drop-off in support. Another 11-race program on Saturday, a couple fields of single-number size but 12 or more in the majority of races.
Regardless though, at the end of the 11th at Ascot Park, the curtain will be brought down for the season and for racing in the province, it is winter hibernation time.
With plenty of exposed form, the picking should be getting easier but there are different draws, different rating bands, a number of first starters and visitors from the north to keep punters guessing.
Two quaddies start as usual on races two and eight and both are trots.
Race Two – McKnight & Brown Mobile Trot
Both War Machine and Eagle Galleon were in action at the Jewels last week. Prior to that, Eagle Galleon was in top form in fields stronger than Saturday and is a must have. The Baynes-owned War Machine, who hasn't appeared in the south since a workout at Gore in January 2016, showed enough in the north through the autumn to be considered here. Any Williamson rep needs to go in and Danielle Amore, unbeaten from behind the mobile, was strong on Monday.
Race Three – EH Ball ITM Building Centre Mobile Pace
Nursemaid's daughter Maidonthebeach has gone close her last two and from the one draw has all favours. The Mark Jones Samantha Ottley combo has a good strike rate in the south and joins with the two year old filly Princess Holly in this. A qualifier from the stand last month, the daughter of Raging Bull has had numerous workout runs from the mobile and should be well ready for this, despite the outside draw.
Race Four – Thank You Brent Ballantyne Pace
Another Jones Ottley runner here with the outside marble is Bettor Under Fire. Carted back to nearly last 600 metres out at Forbury Park, his effort for fourth was massive. Has only had mobile start races to date but qualified from the stand. The well-related Toby O'Gara led throughout his qualifying trial on 31 May and won comfortably. If he copes with barrier one in his first go from a stand he'll be a major player. Jaccka Corin and Ideal Art are others to consider.
Race Five – Regent Car Court Mobile Pace
Ivy May Delight has been trialling well including coming off the back of Denham Maguire and running him to a nose in 2:48.7 on 31 May. Has the one draw but her toughest opposition, Lausanne Lass will be right beside her and looks the one.
Race Eight – Thanks To Our Volunteers Trot
Sundons Wish won impressively in an up to rating 56 stand last time, after being eased away slowly and not making the lead until 950 metres out. In a rise in grade, its an up to rating 96 this week. Having only a 20 metre handicap will help. Pyramid Magic was good from a handicap last time and despite being off an even longer mark this week will be a big hope again. Jen Jaccka lost plenty at the start on Monday but found the line well.
Race Nine – Foveaux Communications Mobile Pace
Justasip was buried back on the inner with a lap to go on Monday, finished strongly but ran out of room late. She hasn't drawn as well this time. Canardly Remember dead-heated with Justasip after doing more work. Has another difficult draw though.
Race Ten – Pinelea Farm Fillies & Mares Mobile Pace
Dancing In The Dark went back at the start on Monday and was forced wide when trying to improve. Ran a 1:56 mile from the two draw when second in the Equine Stakes and has the same marble again. Jody Direen is in good form and can repeat if the inside of the second row draw works out.
Race Eleven – Aon New Zealand/Vera Insurance Mobile Pace
The Night Hawk has run 2:44.3 and 2:42.8 in his latest two starts and looks capable of backing up. Pass The Speights has been running good ones from any draw. Young Conqueror is a quality three year old back in winning form and has the class to overcome a bad draw. Delight My Soul doesn't have much luck with draws but if she can make good with two on the second line, can be in it.
Mac Henry