BUSY DAY AT TE RAPA ON SATURDAY

Kane, Keep On Coming and Ali Baba will represent Ballymore Stables on a slow track at Te Rapa on Saturday where the rail out may favour on pace runners.

Keep On Coming and Ali Baba will run in the seventh race, the Lodge Real Estate Handicap over 1600m, due to jump at 3.49pm (local time).

New Zealand has been blessed with some better weather this week and the slow surface will be in favour of Keep On Coming (pictured).

“Drawing twelve is not ideal but we’re hopeful she can get away and position herself midfield,” co-trainer Pam Gerard said.

“The plan then is to get her out and try and have the last crack at them but it’s a handy field with some solid formlines.

“Her work has been very good and if she brings her best then we feel she is up to them.”

Ali Baba is backing up from his run on a heavy track at Matamata 10 days ago and he too will appreciate the firmer surface.

“We’ve had some good weather which has dried things out considerably and that will suit him,” Gerard said.

“He tried really hard but I feel the improved track might be the key to him.

“It’s an even field but from barrier two then it gives him his chance.”

Darryl Bradley will ride Keep On Coming and Reese Jones will be on Ali Baba.

Kane will be the first runner for the team when she tackles race six, the Gary’s 50th Birthday Maiden Handicap over 1600m, due at 3.14pm (local time).

“She’s drawn out in ten but Shaun McKay is riding and he gets on really with her, comes across to ride her in the mornings and this is in our favour,” Gerard said.

“It’s a Saturday class race so will not be easy. She’s had a little bit of time between runs but her work has been first-class, she’s very bright and we couldn’t be happier with her.”