Te Akau Boxing Day Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has six horses entered for the ten-race premier programme on Boxing Day at Ellerslie.

As on Tuesday Dec. 24 the conditions were: overcast and Good3, rail true.

3:25pm R5 10 Abidewithme (4 m Redoute's Choice - Crimson) - Matt Cameron; resumes from a 51-day break after winning the Benchmark 85 1400 metres here on Melbourne Cup Day. Drawn seven and with blinkers on for the corresponding assignment, she strikes a slightly stronger field than the one she beat. Provided with a tidy passage, she has the both the quality and genuine attributes to be in the thick of things at the business end.

4:07pm R6 2 Costa Viva (3 f Encosta De Lago - Vivacious Spirit) - Matt Cameron; ensured her value with an outstanding win in the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) in November at Riccarton, and has done everything right in her work and by winning a trial in the 40-days leading up to the Eight Carat Classic (Gr. 2, 1600m). Having already proved her quality at the highest level, against the best three-year-old fillies, she strips in the right shape to prove competitive with a decent run from barrier ten - one of two in the race for Te Akau.

4:07pm R6 6 Flirty Gertey (3 f Thorn Park - Granma Gertey) - Kelly Myers; resumed from a 54-day break when winning here on Dec. 7 in the Benchmark 65 1400 metres. Second on debut and a winner of both starts since, she boasts the right form to warrant inclusion in a field of this standing and possesses the talent and determination not to be overawed.

4:47pm R7 1 Chambord (3 g Zabeel - Miss Montjeu) - Matt Cameron; finished second in the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) after coming from last when runner-up to stable-mate Costa Viva (Encosta De Lago) in the Ray Coupland Stakes (Listed, 1400m). One of the keys to his prospects in the Great Northern Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m) is drawing barrier two. An economical run behind the pace should allow him every chance once clear to utilize his powerful acceleration - one of three in the race for Te Akau.

4:47pm R7 4 All Decked Out (3 c Darci Brahma - Diamond Deck) - Opie Bosson; did it nicely with this rider aboard when finishing second to Costa Viva (Encosta De Lago) in a trial over 1200 metres on Dec. 12 at Cambridge. A winner on debut, and second in the Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m), he has already shown the attributes required to be successful against the best of his age. Although drawn wide, he has the services of a noted big race rider and also wears blinkers to aid his chances.

4:47pm R7 10 Aspen (3 c Alamosa - Kirin Belle) - Kelly Myers; was ridden back from a wide draw when resuming from a 78-day break on Dec. 2 in the Benchmark 65 1400 metres at Te Aroha. At his previous start, on debut over 1400 metres at Ruakaka, he put a good field away in impressive fashion after travelling outside the leader. It is anticipated the handsome colt can take up a handy position from barrier seven and into the clear at the right time he has the pedigree and athleticism to make his presence felt.

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