Te Akau Manawatu Thursday Preview

Te Akau Racing has four horses entered on Thursday 30 May at Awapuni. 

Awapuni:

Weather: showery, track: poly-track, rail: true. 

1:17 p.m. R2 5 Luxuriant (6 m Iffraaj – Opulent) – Warren Kennedy; she won easing down by three and a half lengths in the Rating 60 970 metres on 15 May at Cambridge (poly track), and contests the $17,000 Rating 65 1000 metres. He has a good record on the poly tracks and rates a top three chance from barrier three. Fixed odds: $2.60 & $1.20. 

2:27 p.m. R4 6 Hayate (5 m Maurice – Vamoose) – Warren Kennedy; she drew out to win well when stepping up in distance for the Rating 60 2000 metres on 15 May at Cambridge (poly track), and contests the $17,000 Rating 65 2140 metres. With two wins and a second from four starts on poly tracks, she presents as a top three contender with a decent trip from barrier nine. Fixed odds: $3.90 & $1.60. 

4:05 p.m. R7 2 Stonybreck (4 g Tavistock – Fair Isle) – Jonathan Riddell; he ran on from last to finish fourth in the Rating 75 1300 metres on 15 May at Cambridge (poly track), and is one of two stablemates to contest the $17,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. He has won four of six starts on poly tracks, including this course/distance, the blinkers are on, and he is capable of a dividend finish with senior rider aboard. Fixed odds: $4.80 & $1.75. 

4:05 p.m. R7 8 Kabugee (4 g Satono Aladdin – Kabuki) – Warren Kennedy; he ran on from midfield for sixth when resuming in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 8 May at Matamata, and likewise contests the $17,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. A good athlete, he has drawn the ace, and is capable of a bold showing if appreciative of the poly track at his first attempt. Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.60. 

Main photo: Skyler Walker's pony Poppy has accompanied Luxuriant to Awapuni today