Te Akau Ellerslie Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has three horses entered for the ten race premier programme on Derby Day, Saturday 28 February at Ellerslie.

As on Friday 27 February the conditions were: fine and Dead4, rail true.

3.14 p.m. R5 7 No Tricks (3 f Savabeel - Mezaire) - Matt Cameron; put in two solid performances here during the Christmas carnival, finishing second to Huka Eagle (Swiss Ace) in a 3YO 1400 metres and then fourth to Volkstok'n'barrell (Tavistock) and stable-mate Rockfast (Fastnet Rock) in the Great Northern Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m). Freshened and dropping back in distance for the Mr Tiz Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m), she is a talented filly best suited to more distance, and give in the ground, but the prospect of a genuine pace could set it up for the likes of her to have the last crack - one of three in the race for Te Akau.

3.14 p.m. R5 8 Flaming (3 f Bachelor Duke - Flying Firebird) - Leith Innes; last raced in the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Riccarton, and resumes off 105-days. Impressive winning over 1200 metres in February last year at Te Rapa, her first up effort in the spring was a sizzling second in the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Hastings, and like her stable-mate, above, she has the ability to round off quickly when given the right tempo.

3.14 p.m. R5 9 Smashing (3 f Pins - Ruud Van Slaats) - Mark Du Plessis; was never off the bridle winning a 1000-metre trial on Tuesday at Matamata, with this rider aboard, and adds to what, on paper, is a highly competitive race. She broke a track record (1:09.3) for 1200 metres last October at Rotorua, and strips in the right condition after being freshened. With ear covers on, which aided her in the trial, she would likely press forward from barrier nine and any soft sectionals off the front will assist her prospects inside the final furlong.