A Family Affair for Te Akau Duo

Love Racing reports:

Matamata trainer Jamie Richards is hoping it will be a successful weekend on both sides of the Tasman for his runners and he is particularly looking forward to watching the performances of two close relations. 

Group One-winning filly Avantage will contest the Gr.2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, while three-quarter sister Puysegur will aim to keep her unbeaten record intact in the Farmlands 2YO (1300m) at Hastings the same day. 

“Avantage had a nice walk at the beach this morning and she's ready to run well on Saturday,” Richards said.

“The ground should be dead, so everything will get their chance. Drawn barrier five, she's equal favourite in a race with a lot of depth. There's quite a few three-year-olds dropping back from the weight-for-age sprints.  

“Zousain is coming out of the Newmarket, Encryption out of the Newmarket, the William Reid, and the Galaxy. There's a progressive horse in there of Kris Lee's, Classique Legend. It's a strong field, but we're looking forward to the challenge. We'll be giving it our best shot. 

“I quite like Puysegur at Hastings. She's a good type, well related, and the only winner in the field.

“We're hoping it's a big day for the family.” Richards also rates Pinultimate and Quattro Kate ahead of their Te Rapa assignments on Sunday. 

“Quattro Katie has made good improvement and grown in confidence since her win at Matamata. She has to step up in grade, but has drawn nicely,” he said. 

“Pinultimate should go well in the three-year-old race. It's a strong field, but she's two from two and she trialled well at Avondale.”

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