NZ - Te Aroha - Race 4

MONT VENTOUX (2) finished a brave fourth in a better steeple field than this here 3 weeks ago, and he looks to be perfectly placed back in maiden-steeple company. His jumping has improved, and he won't lack fitness, so follow your money. TAIKA (6) has been a very accomplished hurdler and was runner-up in that role in his penultimate start at Te Rapa. He will have no trouble adapting to the bigger fences, and should go close to taking this out. EMPIRE STATE (5) is a stable mate of the second pick, who will also be making his steeple debut. He is peaking at the right time, and has to be respected on an each-way basis. MUSE (8) has been placed 4 times over the steeples, and should now be ready fourth up to show some form again. DOROTHY'S DAUGHTER (9) won a recent jumping trial very easily, and she is usually always running on over the hurdles. She has picked a nice race to make her debut over the bigger fences, and she would not be a shock winner of this race.