Te Akau Labour Day Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has four horses racing at two venues on Labour Day, Monday 26 October.

Te Rapa:

As on Sunday 25 October the conditions were: fine and Dead4, rail true.

3.51 p.m. R7 3 Scrutinize (3 c O'Reilly - Legs) - Matt Cameron; staged a massive run from well back in the field to finish second on Oct. 3 in the $100,000 Sacred Falls Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m) at Hastings, and has drawn barrier seven in the $100,000 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (Gr. 2, 1400m). He could hardly have been more impressive winning fresh up in the 3YO 1200 metres (1:10.7) at Ruakaka, and his 3:2-1 record is without blemish. Equal $5 favourite for the $400,000 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), with his stable-mate Xtavagant (Pentire) who rocketed into contention after an impressive win on Saturday at Trentham, he should be able to take up a handier position and prove very hard to beat stepping to a mile.

Woodville:

As on Sunday 25 October the conditions were: fine and Slow8, rail out 3 metres 800m - 300m otherwise true.

12.02 p.m. R1 3 Skyscraper (4 g Manhattan Rain - Grand Performance) - Cameron Lammas; has recorded two solid performances for second in Maiden 1800-metre events recently at Taupo, and steps up in distance to 2100 metres. Deserved of breaking through, he should be able to work across and lead, or sit outside the leader, and rates a top three chance if appreciative of the footing.

1.42 p.m. R4 1 Lady Pinot (3 f Starspangledbanner - Madame Echezeaux) - Cameron Lammas; is another that deserves a win after twice being touched off in the last couple of strides. The rider has a soft spot for her and after being aboard when second on debut he is keen to go one better. The form around her is solid and while meeting an even field in the Maiden 3YO Fillies 1200 metres she appears a leading chance.

2.52 p.m. R6 8 Our Drahma Queen (4 m Darci Brahma - Queen Cha Cha) - Cameron Lammas; produced a much improved performance for third in the Maiden 1200 metres at Taupo, run in 1:09.4. Up to 1400 metres is expected to suit and from barrier two she appears a good each way chance if she cops the track.