SATURDAY 1 JULY AT HASTINGS & RUAKAKA

Co-trainer Pam Gerard said: “Shimmering has freshened and looks in good condition dropping back to a mile. We expect her to be in or near the lead from barrier three, slight question mark going right-handed, but two kilos off and should race well.”

“Onlywords to Trade steps up to a mile and we really want to see him find the line. He is quite cunning, but going well and looks terrific.”

“Tonia’s Dragon debuts in the 2YO 1100 metres after trialling well right-handed. She has shown to handle some cut in the ground. She has worked up nicely, good to get her out at the races, and a promising filly.”

“Hayley suffered a heart fibrillation in her first NZ start and we will see how she goes on this course with a view to returning in a couple of weeks.”

“Lingjun Hero has won his last two, looks fantastic and thriving in his work. He beat a similar field here last time, same jockey with two-kilo claim, and he has shown he wants to be there.”

“Lingjun Xiongfeng strikes a heavy track and prefers better, but not a lot else around, and he will likely freshen-up for a couple of weeks after this. We expect him to race well, as a winner and well performed on the course.”

“Cork resumes in the Listed 1400 metres and has shown to cope with heavy ground. She trialled very well in the lead-up, bigger, stronger in this preparation and given her fresh-up record we expect her to race well.” Pictured.