NZ - Riccarton - Race 6

RIVIERA REBEL (1) has been too strong off the front here in his last couple of starts over 1 ?m, and he has also won 3 of his 5 starts here over this trip. He cops more weight, but is a big fellow, so he can cope, and the hat-trick beckons. COURT OF APPEAL (6) has only battled in 2 runs back from a spell, which we put down to the unsuitable heavy tracks. He is peaking at the right time, and only needs a slightly improved surface to be a big each-way threat in this. SHAKING STEVENS (5) was disappointing as well in the same race as the second pick, when finishing out of the money after racing handy throughout. He is worth another chance. Each way. UNLEASH THE BEAST (9) was back to his best in BM75 grade when making his usual mid-race move and then powering away to score by nearly a length. This is harder, but he drops 12lbs, and should be respected again. CANHEROC (8) is getting ready for another crack at the NZ Cup, but he can still run into the top 4 here. Watch for him late.