Te Akau Hastings Friday Preview

Te Akau Racing has eight horses entered on Friday 10 February at Hastings. 

Weather: fine, track: Soft6, rail: true. No rain forecast.

1:01 p.m. R2 3 Zeitaku (4 g Savabeel - Miss Opulence) - Opie Bosson; he flew home in the fastest last 600m (35) on the day to grab honours in the Rating 75 1400 metres on 25 January at Matamata, and although up three kilos to carry 59, he remains in same grade for the $30,000 Rating 75 1400 metres. Ideally drawn (3), he rates a top three chance - one of two for the stable contesting the second race on the programme.

1:01 p.m. R2 4 Mohawk Brave (4 g Extreme Choice - Ben's Duchess) - Niranjan Parmar (a2); he lacked his usual zest in the Rating 75 1400 metres on 25 January at Matamata, won by stable-mate Zeitaku (above). He was first and third in two course attempts, he enjoys weight relief to 56.5kg, and firmer ground should aid his prospects of bouncing back in the $30,000 Rating 75 1400 metres.

2:12 p.m. R4 2 On the Bubbles (4 g Brazen Beau - More Bubbles) - Opie Bosson; he has been given time (34 days) since labouring on slow ground in the Open Handicap 1100 metres on 7 January at Trentham, and is one of three stablemates contesting the $40,000 Rating 88 1200 metres. Ideally drawn (3), he receives opportunity to improve on firmer footing.

2:12 p.m. R4 6 Challa (6 g Dissident - Are There Any) - Joe Kamaruddin (a1); he sustained a good gallop and held together for third in a trial on 17 January at Tauranga, and also resumes in the $40,000 Rating 88 1200 metres. A course/distance winner, he acts well fresh, and is capable of a bold showing. 

2:12 p.m. R4 7 Zouluminous (6 m Zoustar - Luminous Harmony) - Niranjan Parmar (a2); she was not far away over a sprint trip in a trial on 17 January at Tauranga, and likewise resumes in the $40,000 Rating 88 1200 metres. A genuine, stakes' placed mare, she is a multiple winner over 1600m and 1800m - look for her finding the line strongly. 

4:38 p.m. R8 3 Amalfi Prince (4 g Sebring - Campania) - Opie Bosson; he resumed with a good effort for sixth in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 3 January at Matamata, won impressively by stable-mate Belle of The Ball (Burgundy), and contests the $30,000 Rating 75 1600 metres.  He ended his previous campaign winning the Manawatu Classic (Gr. 3, 2000m), both of his wins have come on good ground but he requires luck from his wide draw (15).

5:10 p.m. R9 6 Felicienne (4 m Savabeel - Flavigny) - Opie Bosson; she ran the fastest last 600m (35.6) when claimed on line in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 25 January at Matamata, and contests the $30,000 Rating 65 1600 metres. Narrowly beaten at her only course attempt, she is terrifically consistent, and rates a top three chance. 

5:10 p.m. R9 14 Sealed With A Kiss (3 f Tarzino - Postmans Daughter) - Lisa Allpress; she recorded dominant debut victory in the Maiden 1200 metres here on 7 December at Hastings, and drops in class for the $30,000 Rating 65 1600 metres following two starts in stronger fields. Given time (33 days), she receives the opportunity to improve on course she has shown a liking for.