Te Akau NI Saturday Preview

Te Akau Racing has six horses entered on Saturday 17 May: Ellerslie and Trentham.      

Ellerslie:

Weather: fine, track: Soft5, rail: out 6 metres. No rain forecast. 

12:25 p.m. R2 8 War Of Succession (4 g Tavistock – Ziffel) – Vinnie Colgan; he ran home from the rear in a similar final 600m (34.1) to the winner when resuming in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 27 April at Wanganui, and contests the $25,000 Rating 65 1600 metres. He ran home well to finish close up in a trial here prior on 1 April, is bred to stay, but still brings the ability to be competitive if the senior rider can secure a decent trip from the tricky barrier 10. Fixed odds: $15.00 & $4.50.

1:35 p.m. R4 1 Towering Vision (2 g Circus Maximus – Qiji Vision) – Craig Grylls; he appreciated the step in distance when lifting to win the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes over 1400m in determined fashion on 3 May at Te Rapa, also with Grylls aboard. He contests the $100,000 Listed SkyCity Champagne Stakes 1600m and having produced two thirds, followed by that stakes’ win, he is perfectly drawn to again make an impact on this field. Fixed odds: $2.30 & $1.15. 

2:45 p.m. R6 9 Celestial Wonder (3 f Xtravagant – Meteoric Lass) – Craig Grylls; she only just yielded late after leading a very competitive Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes 1200m on 26 April at Te Rapa, also with Grylls aboard, and contests the $40,000 3YO 1100 metres. She did good job in front and almost stole the win, just being claimed on the line (half-head) when resuming in the 3YO 1200 metres on 13 April at Te Rapa. She faces a somewhat softer assignment than the Group 3 and can deliver a top three finish. Fixed odds: $2.60 & $1.25.

3:20 p.m. R7 11 Bella Voce (4 m Fastnet Rock – Keep On Singing) – Warren Kennedy; she closed the margin from last when resuming in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 13 April at Te Rapa, and quickened once clear for fourth to stable-mate Pokuru Gold (Darci Brahma) in the Rating 75 1100 metres here on 7 May, again with Kennedy aboard. Contesting the $40,000 Rating 75 1200 metres, she meets a strong field, but showed fighting spirit and tenacity last time and is capable of proving competitive. Fixed odds: $16.00 & $4.60.

Trentham:

Weather: fine, track: Soft7, rail: out 6 metres. 3mls rain forecast Saturday morning. 

3:47 p.m. R7 8 Fellini (5 g Belardo – Silke Top) – unfixed; he finished third of four in the Easter Cup (Open Handicap, 1600m) on 3 May at Riccarton (poly-track), and contests the $80,000 Listed James Bull Rangitkei Cup 1600m. Five of his seven wins have come on good ground, however he brings good fitness levels and is always a versatile competitor, especially with just 53kgs on his back - the first of a stable duo contesting the feature. Fixed odds: $19.00 & $5.00.

3:47 p.m. R7 13 Francee (5 m Iffraaj – Calveen) – Bruno Queiroz; she closed belatedly for fifth in the  Listed Anzac Mile on 27 April at Wanganui, and also contests the James Bull Rangitkei Cup. She finished strongly for first and third at her two starts prior at Ellerslie, including a staunch win on Champions’ Day when she claimed the Pearl Bonus Series’ Final. She has shown that she can handle some give in ground, like her stablemate she carries the minimum weight (53kg), and possesses the ability to prove competitive in this field. Fixed odds: $11.00 & $3.50.