Ta Akau Taupo Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has three horses racing on Friday 21 September at Taupo.

As on Thursday 20 September the conditions were: fine and Good3, rail true. No rain forecast.

12.52 p.m. 1 10 Spirit of Galway (3 f Rip Van Winkle - Galway) - Shafiq Rusof; unlucky when fourth on debut to dual Group Three placed stable-mate Handsome Rebel (Denman) in March at Matamata, before spelling. She trialled very well for second in August at Te Teko, and resumes in the $10,000 Maiden 1000 metres. A three-quarter sister to Group One winner Shillelagh (Savabeel) and stakes winner Grazia (Savabeel), both trained by Te Akau, she is naturally talented, has blinkers on, and should be finding the line in a threatening manner.

2.37 p.m. R4 1 Don'tblamethemusic (5 g Coats Choice - Blame the Music) - Nik Bakar (a4); resumed here with a gallant front-running victory on Slow9 in the Rating 72 1200 metres on 22 August, ridden by Bakar, and again claims to a competitive 56.5kgs in the $20,000 Rating 72 1300 metres. Winning four of his nine starts, good ground will change the tempo, and he has drawn wide, but remains a contender with the right trip.

2.37 p.m. R4 15 King Kane (5 g Showcasing - Vannista Belle) - Shafiq Rusof; remained rearward in a race that never changed complexion when resuming in the Rating 72 1200 metres on 1 September at Ruakaka, and contests the $20,000 Rating 72 1300 metres. Comprehensive winning over 1400m and 1600m, he should be finding the line with a view to stepping up in distance.