Te Akau Ellerslie Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has four horses entered for the ten-race premier programme on Thursday 1 January at Ellerslie.

As on Wednesday 31 December the conditions were: overcast and Good3, rail out 3.5 metres.  

2.35 p.m. R3 7 Windborne (2 f Darci Brahma - Sweet Dreams Baby) - Matt Cameron; comes into the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) off 40-days, having followed a similar lead up programme to that of her impressive last start win in the Murdoch Newell 2YO Stakes (Listed, 1100m) at Avondale. She won untouched here on debut in the 2YO 880 metres on Oct. 25, clocking a sizzling last 600m in 32.8, and deserves her strong support in the market from barrier two.

3.55 p.m. R5 1 Darci's Dream (3 f Darci Brahma - Sweet Dreams Baby) - Matt Cameron; finished seventh here on Boxing Day in the Eight Carat Classic (Gr. 2, 1600m) and from barrier one contests the Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m). She did a terrific job off the front to finish runner-up in the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) at her previous start and with expected improvement on her first day run she could take some catching if able to dictate terms.

4.35 p.m. R6 1 Rockfast (3 c Fastnet Rock - Gypsy Princess) - James McDonald; has been freshened since letting go with a terrific run for second in the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and resumes off 54-days in the Great Northern Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m). He has proved himself to be a talented colt, looked in great shape during a recent exhibition gallop on Dec. 17 at Matamata, and from barrier one with this rider he seems ideally placed to threaten as the likely second favourite - one of two in the race for Te Akau.

4.35 p.m. R6 12 No Tricks (3 f Savabeel - Mezaire) - Danielle Johnson; put in an enormous run for second here on Boxing Day in the 3YO 1400 metres, when cruising around from the rear to lead near home. While facing a taller order in the Great Northern Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m), she has her fair share of ability and should receive an economical from barrier three.