NZ - Ascot Park - Race 5

STRONG (5) had been racing well before a poor run at Riverton 15 days ago, where he probably did not cope with a 7-day backup. He has a handy record on this track, and the way that his stable is going at the moment, he can make amends. Each way. MAMAEA (1) has improved her form recently by racing a lot more handy to the pace than usual. A wet track is the key, and she is good enough to take this out. ENDEAN AFFAIR (8) has been mixing her form since relocating to the South Island, and she will be having her first run over a middle distance this prep, which could well be the key to her finding some more consistent form. Stick with her. MONTE KHAN (10) may have been a run short last start, and he will be a lot sharper with less than 2 weeks between his runs. He gets a nice swing in his draw, and he is expected to bounce straight back into the money. LILY OF THE VALLEY (9) is impossible to catch, but she saves her best for her home track here, and this race is not hard. Each way value.