Best play for New Zealand racing night of July 1

Tap ‘n’ Go should appreciate a return to Wingatui – and the return of his regular jockey – when he contests the Ghibellines at White Robe Lodge Handicap (Race 7 with a post time of Thursday 11:46 p.m. [ET]). 

The son of Ocean Park has shown a liking for the Dunedin track. He fought strongly for a third-place finish three starts back, on May 28, and returned on June 6 for a resolute victory, winning after being headed in the stretch. Both times he was ridden by Lee Callaway, who also trains Tap ‘n’ Go in partnership with Nikki White.

Callaway and White decided to go with apprentice Sanu Toolooa at his most recent start, at Phar Lap Raceway in Timaru on June 24 to take advantage of a 3kg (about 6.5 pounds) claim. However, the pair were caught very wide going around the home turn, losing many lengths, and that effort is best forgotten.

Callaway will be aboard again at Wingatui for the Rating 65 benchmark race and with a favorable draw of seven he should be very competitive.

Three of the horses he beat on June 6 are back to take him on again. Kerany, who looked likely to win before dying on his run and finishing third that day, and I’m A Tiger, a very solid runner-up that day, should again be competitive. I’m A Tiger also competed against Tap ‘n’ Go at Timaru, finishing fourth after a more favorable run than his rival.

Kitty Power was a fair fourth on June 6 and has subsequently finished second in another Rating 65 event at Oamaru. She should go well again, while Earl Of Orkney and Gas Monkey also look to be solid contenders.

BEST PLAY

New Zealand, Race 7 at Wingatui, Thursday 11:46 p.m. (ET)

• $4 to win, $8 to show: #2 Tap ‘n’ Go,
• $1 box quinella: #1 Earl of Orkney, #2 Tap ‘n’ Go, #3 Gas Monkey, #4 Kerany, #8 I’m A Tiger.