VELOCIOUS (5) is a distance specialist who finished 2.75 lengths from the winner in fifth last start over 1100m at Ellerslie, an improvement on her tenth at this track the run before. Likely improver with strong prospects. SHOES (8) was prominent at the corner and ran a better race last start to finish a close second over 1200m at this track after missing the placings at the previous appearance. Best figures measure up. Sure to run well. ILLICIT DREAMS (3) is third up today. Turned in a better run last time when fourth, beaten 3 lengths, at this track over 1200m. Has an impressive strike rate at this distance with two wins from four runs and is right in contention. MARTELL (6) turned in a strong performance first-up when in the money at Te Aroha but disappointed last time when sixth, beaten 6 lengths, at Ellerslie over 1200m. Open to improvement and should be about the mark.