Te Akau Avondale Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has two horses racing on Wednesday 8 March at Avondale.

As on race morning the conditions were: raining and Dead6, rail 7 metres. 10mls rain forecast race day.

5.42 p.m. R8 7 Gardenier (4 m Rip Van Winkle - Miss Montjeu) - Cameron Lammas; had some gear changes (different bit, visor blinkers off and ear covers on) and won the Maiden 1400 metres easily on 9 February at Te Aroha, and given time since she contests the $10,000 Rating 65 1600 metres. Drawn barrier one, as she was at Te Aroha, she is a much improved filly with maturity on her side, has raced well here previously, and appears capable of another bold performance in this field.

5.42 p.m. R8 11 Brer (8 g China Cat - La Fox) - Jasmine Fawcett (a4); a jumper resuming, has been off the scene since contesting the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) in August at Riccarton. He boasted exemplary form last season: second in the $50,000 Waikato Steeplechase (4000m), third in the $50,000 McGregor Grant Steeplechase (4150m), and second in the $50,000 Hawkes Bay Steeplechase (4800m). Treating the $10,000 Rating 65 1600 metres like a trial, running through the line encouragingly will be a step in the right direction for what lies ahead over fences.