NZ Trial Watcher is New Zealand’s premier horse racing tips platform, specialising in deep trial analysis to give punters a genuine edge. It’s fantastic to have NZ Trial Watcher provide exclusive tips and analysis content to Betsy readers.
To learn more about NZ Trial Watcher, CLICK HERE
Race 1: 2YO SW&P 1200m
A number of juveniles have impressed at the trials and how they turn up and handle their first day at the races will determine their winning chances. (8) POUNCE showed dramatic improvement between two trials with a break in between, the Almanzor filly sat three-wide on-speed and quickened sharply to win her 2nd career trial at Pukekohe, a great sign towards her debut, the market is key with this stable. (7) O’VALERIE can challenge for the lead using the inside, a big and mature-looking 2YO by Sword Of State, trials have been encouraging. The race experience of (2) KA RON is significant, he looks a real racehorse for a good stable and surprised the market on debut, potential for further improvement into this. (9) TE ENCUENTRO is by Frankel and will get better with time, trials suggest she can show up early, need a market push.
Suggested Bet: POUNCE
Race 4: Rating 65 Benchmark 1400m
ESPADAS was fresh off 84 weeks at Ellerslie last start and put in a herculean performance in defeat at the higher level. Always showed above-average ability as a young horse and the 1400m profiles as his sweet spot, he’s drawn to box-seat and finds a suitable race in this class, he’s rock bottom odds being priced on potential. IS THAT ALL showed up at the trials this campaign and followed it up race-day with a good return getting back and making ground against the race shape. The 3kg claim was no value there, if he can land closer to a more genuine speed he is in the mix as one of two key winning chances. ESPERANZA put in a solid run fresh, up to 1400m suits with Opie Bosson on. MID OCEAN is only small but genuine, she is versatile with her positioning and has trialled strongly to return, the best at odds.
Suggested Bets: ESPADAS & IS THAT ALL
Race 8: Stayers Championship Final 2400m
The tempo is expected to be strong with key speed runners drawn out. ROCTAVE is a progressive stayer with a turn of foot which immediately elevates him over most of his rivals in this field. A 7 day back-up after an impressive win at Te Rapa, dropped the steel at the 800 and once balanced up he rattled home in fast closing splits. Importantly, a proven performer on the Ellerslie strathayr surface and maps for a soft run forward of midfield, horse to beat. SNEAK PEEK is the other with a turn of speed, a month between runs is a query and tackles the 2400m at her 1st attempt. MOLLIFY has been blessed with good rides, barriers and favourable race shapes to win consecutively, the challenge now is 59kg and a sticky map. MALDINI best at odds, hit the line strongly last start, perfect draw and weighted to figure in the finish.
Suggested Bet: ROCTAVE (Best)
Race 9: Group 2 Eight Carat Classic WFA 2000m
LEGARTO was the victim of poor tactics and a wicked market drift ($3.4 to $6) with the bar plates on at Trentham, rider refused to close the gap on the lead pair first 600m of the race on a modest speed which handed the winning position to Provence. Her regular rider Ryan Elliot returns to the saddle, blinkers and bar plates off, if allowed to stride she can give them something to beat. QALI AL FARRASHA produced a career-best figure at Pukekohe first-up off a short spell and no trial, heavily-backed to win second-up at Te Rapa and raced dour at the mile, not appreciating the firmer track. A good map finding leaders back and rates a Top 3 chance in this field returning to Ellerslie over 2000m. WAITAK is flying, sluggish
tempo beat him at Trentham, needs the leader ‘handlebars down’ to bring him into the race. EL VENCEDOR is that key speed influence with the visiting Mick Dee replacing Wiremu Pinn.
Suggested Bets: LEGARTO & QALI AL FARRASHA (Value)
