A big meeting at Te Rapa on Saturday highlighted by the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes, where the Gavin Bedggood-trained Kingswood will be out to add to his New Zealand Group 1 tally. Here To Shock and Arkansaw Kid will tackle the Group 1 BCD Sprint while the Fillies Classic is the other feature on the program.
Our NZ expert, NZ Trial Watcher, has cast their eye over the card and found the best betting opportunities.
Race 1: (R65/1400m)
Speed: Average tempo expected
Veteran galloper BUTTERFIELD represents value showing a return to form his past two starts coming through fast races at the level, in particular his latest run at Tauranga when chased hard to the line from off the speed. His pattern has been switched around in recent preparations, Tayla Mitchell has an opportunity to use the low draw to be positive on or around the early speed. Rated Top 3 chance in this field and over the odds.
Suggested Bet: BUTTERFIELD
Race 5: (Special Conditions/1600m)
Speed: Average tempo expected
KHALEESI is on a rapid rise for the Marsh stable, received a cool ride at Ellerslie when midfield and only asked to sprint up from the 200m to reel in the runaway leader on the line. Recent trial suggests further improvement can be expected into this with an impressive performance at Tauranga. The map is positive, a good beginner, she can position forward of midfield on a modest speed and sprint best.
Suggested Bet: KHALEESI
Race 7: (Group 1/ 2000m)
Speed: Genuine if EV runs along, tactics change?
Hard race to assess with queries on most runners. LEGARTO is a track specialist, an indifferent preparation with tweaks to her gear and some excuse last start at Trentham finding the inferior ground. Up to 2000m, Opie Bosson aboard, easy to like. KINGSWOOD bolted in the G1 Zabeel Classic but it wasn’t a race, now comes off a 43 day break and have to take on trust. The speed in the race depends heavily on what EL VENCEDOR does, a natural front-runner and only had a practice run last start taking a sit at Ellerslie. HINEKAHA has been picking off races at the lower level, she can lead if EV does not, this is another level to what she’s contested. KNOBELAS was arguably unlucky last start, pilot error in the straight, speed was on to suit, again at the mercy of the tempo and goes 2000m first time.
Race 8: (Group 1 WFA/1400m)
Speed: Genuine tempo expected
FIRST FIVE continued his rapid progression this campaign culminating in his first Group 1 win at Trentham in the Telegraph Handicap. Adding a new dimension to his racing pattern, jockey Wiremu Pinn had him forward in running and lost a plate at the 900m, adding further merit to the performance. Two positives, 1400m and a perfect draw for this assignment, needs to step up from a ratings perspective, has the set-up to do so. HERE TO SHOCK produced a career-best winning this race last year, 12 months on, hard to see him repeating. PIER opened too short in the market, a supremely-talented gelding, his Matamata trial was outstanding but will need luck. ARKANSAW KID is yet to win at 1400m, positive map, Jigsaw form is tempting.
Suggested Bet: FIRST FIVE
Race 9: (R75/1200m)
Speed: Fast tempo expected
The Proisir mare has the ability to reel off unbelievable sectionals when left alone early on a fast tempo and appears to have found the set-up required for another win. Fresh off 43 days into this, a notable rider change with the inform apprentice Logan Bates in the saddle, look for her to drop out early and come down charging down the middle of the track, with clear passage a strong winning chance.
Suggested Bet: HANKEE ALPHA
