Te Akau Matamata Midweek Preview

Te Akau Racing has 12 horses entered on Wednesday 24 January at Matamata. 

Weather: fine, track: Soft6, rail: out 7 metres. 

1:45 p.m. R1 6 Ruler Of Egypt (3 g American Pharoah – Galway) – Niranjan Parmar (a1); he got back last from barrier nine and looked good stretching out for third (fastest last 600m: 35.2) in the Maiden 3YO 1600 metres here on 10 January. Ideally drawn (3) in the $25,000 Maiden 1600 metres, he rates a top three chance - the first of two in the event for the stable. Fixed odds: $4.80 & $2.10. 

1:45 p.m. R1 12 Qali Al Farrasha (3 f Almanzor – Nucleonic) – Matt Cameron; she did well getting through for second in the Maiden 1400 metres here on 10 January, and also contests the $25,000 Maiden 1600 metres. She positions also as a top three chance however will need luck from barrier 11. Fixed odds: $3.30 & $1.60. 

2:15 p.m. R2 11 Inspired By Art (3 f So You Think – La Bella Delicia) – Wiremu Pinn; she worked forward outside the leader when finishing second in the Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 2 January at Tauranga, and contests the $25,000 Maiden 1600 metres. She is fashioning a good record with two seconds from her two career starts, the blinkers are on, and she ideally drawn (4) to be in the first three at the business end. Fixed odds: $2.30 & $1.35. 

3:20 p.m. R4 3 Sophisticardo (5 g Burgundy – Glamorous Girl) – Vinnie Colgan; he ran the fastest last 600m (35.8) for third to stable-mate Stella Splendida (Zoustar) in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 30 December at Taupo, and contests the $25,000 Rating 75 1400 metres. While, interestingly, he is yet to race on his home track, he has drawn the ace and is capable of a top three finish - the first of a stable trio lining up in this race. Fixed odds: $5.50 & $2.10. 

3:20 p.m. R4 6 Inca Belle (4 m Per Incanto – Belle Vie) – Niranjan Parmar (a1); she quickened very well to claim stable-mate Alminette (Burgundy) in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 12 January at Tauranga, running the fastest last 600m (35.2). Stepping up in the $25,000 Rating 75 1400 metres, she was a close fifth here two starts ago, and is another capable of delivering a dividend. Fixed odds: $6.00 & $2.20.

3:20 p.m. R4 7 Polly Plum (5 m Xtravagant – Herstory) – Jessica Allen (a2.5); she produced an eye-catching effort for fourth to stable-mate Stella Splendida (Zoustar) in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 30 December at Taupo, and likewise contests the $25,000 Rating 75 1400 metres. A dual course/distance winner on rain-affected ground, the conditions suit and she appears competitive if she can secure a decent trip from barrier eight. Fixed odds: $5.50 & $2.10.

3:55 p.m. R5 1 Unbridled Joy (2 c Snitzel – Joy Forever) – Vinnie Colgan; he finished strongly for second to stable-mate When Stars Align (Zoustar) when debuting in the 2YO 1100 metres on 23 December at Trentham, and contests the $25,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden 2YO 1200 metres. He looks to be well positioned in this field of eight m jumping from the handy four barrier. Fixed odds: $1.80 & $1.20. 

4:30 p.m. R6 4 Primo Vino (3 g Savabeel – Vinorules) – Niranjan Parmar (a1); he found the line for sixth in the $25,000 Maiden 2000 metres here on 10 January, and contests the corresponding event. Placed at 2000 metres last season, he has drawn the carpark (15 - will break from 14) which doesn't assist his chances. Fixed odds: $7.00 & $2.50.

5:34 p.m. R8 3 Malmaison (3 g Darci Brahma – Altai Rose) – Niranjan Parmar (a1); he ran the fastest last 600m (34.3) for second in the Maiden 3YO 1215 metres on 28 December at Rotorua, and contests the $25,000 Maiden 1200 metres, alongside a stablemate. He's another who has recorded two runner up placings from two appearances to date, and despite the sticky gate (9) he rates a top three chance.  Fixed odds: $4.50 & $1.90.

5:34 p.m. R8 12 Lady Of Court (3 f Savabeel – Are There Any) – Kozzi Asano; she finished close up in fourth when trialling on 16 January at Tauranga, and resumes in the $25,000 Maiden 1200 metres. She has race experience with will stand her in good stead, and is a progressive filly, but requires luck from her wide draw (13). Fixed odds: $16.00 & $4.50.

6:09 p.m. R9 12 Akenehi (3 f Fastnet Rock – Igraine) – Vinnie Colgan; she was claimed late by stable-mate El Viento (El Roca) in the $25,000 Maiden 1400 metres here on 10 January, and contests the corresponding event. A beautifully bred daughter of Fastnet Rock, she is a talented filly who will give this a shake, should the senior rider be able to negate the impact of her awkward draw (10). Fixed odds: $6.50 & $2.40.