How the big guns rate their chances . . .

Racing’s resumption has made for some busy thoroughbred trainers and jockeys with four meetings in the North Island this weekend. Here is how they rate their best chances of a winner:

Lisa Allpress: Hoodlum (Hawera Friday, R2) “Very promising horse who has won a trial. He is very talented and I have been raving about him.”

Lisa Latta: Nod Of The Head (Wanganui, Saturday R2): “Showed a lot of promise last year as threeyear-old and has really strengthened.”

Tony Pike: Khufu (Hawera R3): “He is very smart and should enjoy the trip away and get an easy kill. But I could just as easily say Doubtful Sound in the Breeders at Te Rapa. He can go very close to winning.”

Jamie Richards: Imperatriz (R5) and Avantage (R8) at Te Rapa: We all know how good Avantage is and she is ready to race very well but of course these races are never easy to win. And Imperartriz is a very exciting filly, again in a good field but she has trialed like she will be very tough to beat from that draw.”

Fraser Auret: Unusual Countess (Wanganui, Saturday R4): “She has come up really well and the weather should bring the track to the slow range, which will help. “And we have Lisa Allpress on and she rides Wanganui so well.”

Allan Sharrock: Ladies Man (Te Rapa R7): “He is potentially a cup horse. Steps up to a mile in R65 and continues to impress me in his work.”

Shaune Ritchie: Captain Oumuamua (Te Rapa, R6): “Has been racing well on wet tracks but his action is better suited to the drier track he might get this weekend. Drawn to get a good trip, has strong jockey on so each way value.”

Andrew Forsman: Francesca (Te Rapa, R10): “Working very well and has won at Te Rapa which is very important. “Progressive mare heading for black type company.”

Andrew Scott: Two Madison (Te Rapa, R1): “In good form and races well at Te Rapa.

“Only slight query might be improving track conditions.”