Nelson and Jason's Gold to land the fourth

Trainer Anthony Nunes and jockey Dick Cardenas should combine to give punters a fine start in tomorrow's opening event of the Sunrise-6. Nunes saddles A.P.I., who will oppose six opponents over the 1000 metres round.

The very fast son of the sprinter-producing sire Blue Pepsi Lodge has been campaigning with some success among better company this year and should be well clear by the time they hit the final straight. A.P.I. led in fast splits, 22.1x45.0, over 1200 metres last time out and was caught close home by the progressive Sarah Lee. There is no one in this line-up with the finishing power of Sarah Lee, and A.P.I. will be a lonely winner.

The second, for $180,000 claimers over 1000 metres round, will be a straight fight between the selection ROYAL GIRL and old rival COPPERFIELD. ROYAL GIRL was beaten by COPPERFIELD when the two finished behind Big Black Nation in a 1200 metres race on February 10. However, just under a month earlier, ROYAL GIRL slammed COPPERFIELD by all of five lengths. That was over 1000 metres round, and ROYAL GIRL should score her ninth victory from 30 starts over one of her favourite trips.

Race Three, a 1000 metres straight race for four-year-old and up maidens, will prove to be a very knotty event. AHUAGAIN has shown good form in the past and will be dangerous with leading rider Anthony Thomas aboard for in-form trainer Steven Todd. PRINCE MALIK lost by only a nose over 1000 metres straight on March 17 but returns a bit heavy, while SON OF SPARTACUS is improving but will carry the maximum weight of 57kg.

The handicaps favour LADY IN THE ARENA, and she should be in control when the race is being decided. She meets SON OF SPARTACUS and PRINCE MALIK on vastly improved terms after the three finished close up to Okahumpka on February 10. LADY IN THE ARENA has dropped nine pounds, while SON OF SPARTACUS has gone up by seven pounds and PRINCE MALIK remains on the 126 pounds he carried on that day.

The fourth has attracted eight mainly out-of-form $180,000 claimers in another 1000 metres straight race. The one with the best recent form is JASON'S GOLD, and he is our selection. He clocked 1:01.3 when placing third to Buck Hall over the distance on Ash Wednesday. That time is fairly fast for this level, and JASON'S GOLD should make no mistake with former champion jockey Dane Nelson aboard.

The last two races in the Sunrise-6 should be won by FIERY PATH (Dick Cardenas) and the Stephen Chung-trained GARRINCHA, with Aaron Chatrie aboard.

SUNRISE-SELECTIONS

1. A.P.I.

2. ROYAL GIRL:

3. LADY IN THE ARENA

4. JASON'S GOLD

5. FIERY PATH

6. GARRINCHA