Te Akau Matamata Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has three horses racing on Wednesday 15 March at Matamata.

As on Tuesday 14 March the conditions were: fine and Heavy10, rail 2.5 metres. No rain forecast.  Runners will be subject to the team being satisfied with track conditions tomorrow.

12.25 p.m. R1 12 Lady Amadeus (3 f Medaglia D'oro - Rialto Bridge) - Cameron Lammas; was brave off a wide run when finishing third in the Maiden 1200 metres on 22 February at Avondale, following a break of 87 days. The form out of the race is strong, with winner Morweka (Showcasing) finishing second since and second placed Breezon (O'Reilly) having won. She finished second when trialling on Slow9 footing to subsequent dual winner Justacanta (Per Incanto) and appears a top four chance stepping up in distance, from barrier eight, in the Maiden 1400 metres.

1.00 p.m. R2 1 Cousteau (2 c Exceed and Excel - Maritime) - Michael McNab; followed a pleasing debut effort for fifth, when caught wide over 1000 metres at Te Aroha, with a very good performance for second in the Maiden 2YO 1200 metres on 1 March at Te Rapa. Holding a nomination for the $225,000 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) on 1 April at Awapuni, a preparatory run here in the Maiden 2YO 1200 metres is of significant importance. He handled wet ground in his work last Saturday morning and rates a strong each way chance if he cops the footing better than most of his rivals.

1.00 p.m. R2 7 Swing Note (2 f Encosta De Lago - Andallthatjazz) - Cameron Lammas; powered home late for third when resuming off 78 days in the 2YO 1200 metres on 26 February at Wairoa, after coming from last to finish fourth on debut in the $30,000 Wentwood Grange 2YO Premier 1100 metres in December at Te Rapa. A filly with all the attributes to excel over more ground, she too holds a nomination for the Sires' and getting home strongly in this field, with blinkers on, will be another step in the right direction.