Marwing, with his main yard now based in Ashburton, has had great success since his move and his horses have blossomed. Uncle Tommy made his local debut over a mile on the Greyville turf in the Christmas Handicap, finishing five lengths adrift of another old campaigner, Fourth Estate.

He was then switched to 1400m on the poly and the result was never in doubt in spite of giving the speedy filly Captain’s Daughter 12,5kg.

Uncle Tommy has the ‘grandstand’ on his back again but gains some relief from four-claiming apprentice Akshay Balloo who has been riding with new found confidence in recent weeks.

Uncle Tommy’s optimum trip looks to be 1400m but there is no doubting that he his lengths better on sand and poly than on turf and he will be racing off his turf rating, nine points lower than his sand rating which should see him right up there.

The handicappers appear to be on the hunt for Kings Archer who has risen steadily in the ratings in spite of not winning a race.

“We will see if the handicappers have got it right tomorrow,” said Duncan Howells. “Every time he runs a place he gets more weight. I don’t think he’s an 83 but having said that he does have a light weight and he’s fit and well. Here’s hoping.”

Cat In Command has smart form over the course and distance and landed the odds again on the Scottsville turf last time out. He is in receipt of 6kg from Uncle Tommy which puts him in with a big chance.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is a maiden over 1400m on the poly where there looks to be a few to consider.  All Together Now was sent out favourite on debut at Scottsville but the stable where not wildly confident. That was borne out as All Together Now found himself out-paced for much of the race but finishing two lengths adrift of the hard-pressed winner Ace.

He takes to the poly for the first time but given his pedigree he should appreciate the extra furlong.

Dennis Drier is back in town after a three-month stint in Cape Town for their season and has lit the fire in his yard. His horses are coming to the boil and he looks set for a good evening. Drier’s runner First Sea Lord, like All Together Now, made a smart enough debut and is expected to pick up on that effort.  Marwing’s runner Fabrizio has the benefit of experience and has the makings of a promising trifecta.

Summerhill-based stallion Solskjaer failed to land a bid when offered up for auction last week but he is capable of a good winner. Drier saddles the Solskjaer filly Red Label in the fourth with Cousin Annie as back-up. Red Label is in very good form over the course and distance but this is a race where it may prove wise to go as wide as finances permit.

Gill’s Fancy is another Drier runner that looks to have plenty of scope and should enjoy the step up in trip when she takes on a fairly modest field in the fifth. The Dynasty won very comfortable on the Scottsville turf when shedding her maiden and has the benefit of a good draw.

Drier saddles Tell The Tale in the sixth, a comfortable winner of his last start, and the lightly raced son of Jet Master could prove too good for Strategic’ s Pride and top weight Mumsy’s Jet who has come very well since being gelded.