Form, odds and free tips for Ellerslie, December 26
BOXING day racing at Ellerslie is a long tradition in New Zealand and it’s one of their premier meetings of the year.
The Group 1 Zabeel Classic and Group 2 Eight Carat Classic are some of the most sought after races on the NZ racing calendar and punters get to see some of the best talent from across the Tasman.
We have form, odds and free tips for all 10 races on the Ellerslie card this Tuesday.
Race 1 – BM85 Handicap (1400m)
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Yearn has been one of the most improved runners this season and it looks a good bet again.
The Karen Fursdon-trained mare by Savabeel has won four of her last five starts and despite coming up against a nice type in Stratocaster, Yearn has the consistency that punters should be looking for.
Race 1 tip: Yearn to win at CrownBet.com.au
Race 2 – 2YO Handicap (1100m)
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Crystallize was a gallant winner on debut at Ellerslie and looms as a good chance to repeat the dose.
Trained by Danny Walker, the Iffraaj colt was heavily supported on debut at $2.40 and we’re expecting odds around the mark again.
This is much harder here, but a top effort is on the cards.
Race 2 tip: Crystallize to win at Neds.com.au
Race 3 – BM85 Handicap (2100m)
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We’re not giving up on Camino Rocoso, despite a lengthy run of outs.
The Baker/Forsman-trained runner was good enough to run seventh behind Gingernuts in the New Zealand Derby, but it hasn’t won since March and that’s a concerning sign.
Class is on its side and this field doesn’t possess much talent.
Race 3 tip: Camino Rocoso to win at WilliamHill.com.au
Race 4 – 3YO Handicap (1400m)
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Embellish must on on top here after its win in the Guineas.
The Te Akau-raced colt by Savabeel has a high ceiling and having scored three wins in a row, it looks ready to score more big-time success.
This field isn’t too dissimilar to the Guineas and we’re expecting a repeat effort.
Race 4 tip: Embellish to win at CrownBet.com.au
Race 5 – BM65 Handicap (1600m)
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Grand Soleil didn’t get much luck when running second behind I See Red last start at Ellerslie and it could go one better here.
This is a wide open field with numerous winning chances, but this Tony Pike-trained mare broke maiden grades on this track last month and that form should stack up nicely again.
Race 5 tip: Grand Soleil to win at Sportsbet.com.au
Race 6 – Open Handicap (1200m)
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Chambord was desperately unlucky not to win behind stablemate Royal Success at Te Rapa last start and punters will be keen to follow that run.
The seven-year-old has finished in the money in 13 of its 22 career starts and the son of Zabeel looks primed for another tidy effort.
He has yet to win at Ellerslie, but we’re still confident of a good result.
Race 6 tip: Chambord to win at Neds.com.au
Race 7 – Dustin Feeds Championship Final (1500m)
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Spindle lived up to expectations when winning at Ellerslie last start and it could repeat at nice odds here.
The Stephen McKee-trained has won only three of its 18 starts, but it has always promised more like what she showed last start.
Dropping in weight to 54kg is going to help her chances greatly.
Race 7 tip: Spindle to win at Sportsbet.com.au
Race 8 – Eight Carat Classic (1600m)
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Hasahalo scored an upset win in the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton last start and it should love returning to Ellerslie.
The McKee-trained filly finished second in the Karaka Million behind Melody Belle on this track and the rise to the mile has clearly helped the talented daughter of Savabeel.
Sam Spratt is riding well at the moment so expect her to drop Hasahalo back and storm home again.
Race 8 tip: Hasahalo to win at Sportsbet.com.au
Race 9 – Zabeel Classic (2000m)
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Hiflyer scored a mightily impressive win at Ellerslie last start which showed punters just how good it is.
The Peter Lock-trained gelding had no right to win the race, but he saw daylight late in the race and burst through runners for the win.
He’s high flying at the moment and another win looks likely, but this will be its toughest test to date.
Race 9 tip: Hiflyer to win at CrownBet.com.au
Race 10 – BM75 Handicap (1200m)
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Elusive Treasure has rattled off three consecutive wins this preparation and it has drawn ideally in barrier one.
The Cruz-trained gelding has yet to miss a win or placing from five starts and we can’t see it running a bad race here.
Race 10 tip: Elusive Treasure to win at Neds.com.au