Te Akau Hastings Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has five horses entered for the eight race programme on Thursday 10 December at Hastings.

On race morning the conditions were: fine and Dead4; rail out 3 metres.

3.18 p.m. R1 2 Hushed (5 g Don Eduardo - Danewhisper) - Michael McNab; took over rounding the home turn and fought solidly for second on Nov. 20 in the Maiden 1800 metres at New Plymouth, and steps up to 2000 metres for the first time. He continues to race in good form and appears on the verge of breaking through - one of two in the race for Te Akau.

3.18 p.m. R1 3 Bon Marche (4 g Nom Du Jeu - Las Vegas Lass) - Lisa Allpress; reared as the gates opened, then sustained his run from the 700m for fifth on Nov. 22 in the Maiden 1600 metres at Te Rapa. His dam showed her best over 2000 metres and hopefully the progeny will follow suit.

3.53 p.m. R2 4 Arpeggio (3 f Tavistock - Macchiato) - Darryl Bradley; went through the line pleasingly for third in a preparatory trial and resumes off 204 days in the Rating 75 1200 metres. Having already displayed impressive attributes in two wins from five starts, she has drawn barrier five in a field of six and appears a leading chance with the right drag into proceedings.

5.03 p.m. R4 6 Latin Rose (4 m Mastercraftsman - Down View) - Michael McNab; trialled well for a close second over 1000 metres at Te Teko, with this rider aboard, and worked pleasingly with Arpeggio (race 2) last Saturday. Resuming off 204 days in the Maiden 1400 metres, she has a tricky barrier (9) to overcome but rates a first four chance if able to secure an economical trip.

7.18 p.m. R8 13 Hysteria Lane (4 m Perfectly Ready - Lane Cove) - Kelly Myers; continued her solid form with another good performance for fourth over 1150 metres on Nov. 26 at Waipa, and now steps up in distance for the Rating 65 1400 metres. Yet to race beyond 1200 metres, she is racing as though the trip should suit and rates a top three chance.