NZ - Hawera - Race 3

LEDHAVEN CASSIE (7) showed good early speed and fought on gamely when runner-up over 5 ½f at New Plymouth a fortnight ago. She is peaking at the right time and is well overdue for her first win. Stick with her. IVY TIME (8) is a promising mare who has been competitive in recent outings, most recently finishing fifth over 7f at Otaki nearly 3 weeks ago. Aside from the top pick, this race is very even, and even from a wide gate, she can figure in the top 3. ETUPIRKA (13) makes her debut for the Stephen Autridge stable. By U S Navy Flag, she impressed in a recent Ellerslie trial, and she has the right profile to make an immediate impact in a field like this. QUE SYRAH SYRAH (5) got too far back off a wide gate at Te Rapa last start, but he has shown enough ability at the trials to warrant serious consideration in this field, especially with Craig Grylls in the saddle from a good draw. LUCY (14) cops a wide draw, but her debut effort for sixth was solid. She is a natural improver.