More Than A Passing Chance

Racing heads to Pukekohe Park on Saturday and we head to the meeting with two decent chances - the lightly raced and promising Passing Parade and tough campaigner Xalted.

Drawn nicely in barrier one in the second event, the IRT Handicap, Passing Parade rises in grade after his impressive maiden victory at only his second start.

"He is coming off a good, strong win," said Chad Ormsby, "and he has definitely improved off it."

"A little bit of rain about will only enhance his prospects and we are looking forward to seeing him step up to the next level."

To be ridden for the first time by Johnathon Parkes, Passing Parade showed good natural pace when winning his maiden - racing away over the final stages.

Later in the day we have Xalted, who returns to the flat after a couple of runs over the jumps, takes his place in the fourth race, the Graeme Thomson Antique Jewellery Handicap.

Drawn well in barrier four for Johnathon Parkes, the Pentire seven-year-old has, says Ormsby, shown good zest in his recent track work.

"He is working as well as he ever has," he said - noting that his jumps runs may well have perked him up a bit.

Best of luck to connections - let's hope we can get into some winning action early in the new season!