Melbourne Cup Day Te Akau NZ Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has four horses racing at two venues on Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 3 November. 

Ellerslie:

As on Monday 2 November the conditions were: cloudy and Dead4, rail true.

12.28 p.m. R1 12 Ekraarstatic (5 m Ekraar - Nugget Point) - Matt Cameron; received a good trip in sixth and worked home solidly for third on 17 October in the Rating 85 1600 metres at Otaki, after finding late when resuming over 1400 metres at Ruakaka. Up in distance for the Rating 85 2200 metres is expected to suit, having won the Summer Cup (Rating 85 2400m) in January at Trentham.

6.10 p.m. R9 18 Lady Painton (3 f Tavistock - Lady Verify) - Cameron Lammas; followed a 15-length maiden win with another very good performance for second in the NZB Pearl Series Rating 65 Fillies & Mares 1600 metres at Otaki. In an even field for the Rating 65 1600 metres, she brings the right form to prove competitive with luck from a wide draw.

6.50 p.m. R10 8 Imperium (4 g Encosta De Lago - Ethereal) - Matt Cameron; worked home solidly for seventh when unappreciative of rain-affected Slow7 going on Oct. 24 in the Rating 75 2100 metres at Ellerslie, and now steps up to 2400 metres. Surer footing and an increase in distance should suit and he possesses the ability to launch into it from off the pace.

Wingatui:

As on Monday 2 November the conditions were: fine and Dead6, rail true.

2.13 p.m. R4 7 Flaming (4 m Bachelor Duke - Flying Firebird) - Doni Prastiyou (a2); went to the line untested on Oct. 24 in the Rating 75 1200 metres at Riccarton, won by stable-mate Opulent (Keeper), after winning the corresponding event on 3 October at Riccarton. Again contesting the Rating 75 1200 metres, she boasts the strongest form in the race, should receive a favourable trip from barrier three, and appears a deserving favourite.