Te Akau North Island Saturday Preview

Te Akau Racing has seven horses entered on Saturday 1 July: Ruakaka, and Hastings.

Ruakaka:

Weather: cloudy, track: Soft6, rail: out 6 metres. 5mls rain forecast Friday, showers Saturday. 

1:59 p.m. R5 6 Dancarina (4 m Sebring - Dance for Me) - Michael McNab; she scored stylishly when trialling on 26 May at Waipa, and finished strongly for second when resuming here on 10 June in the Rating 75 1100 metres. An impressive course winner, she rates a top three chance, having drawn barrier two, in the $30,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.60.

Hastings:

Weather: cloudy, track: Heavy10, rail: out 7 metres. No rain forecast. 

11:32 a.m. R2 9 Prismatic (4 g Savabeel - Kaleidoscope) - Hamish McNeil (a); he produced a notable effort for fourth in the Rating 75 2100 metres on 17 June at Te Rapa, and makes his jumps' debut in the $30,000 Maiden Hurdle (2100m). Placed at his only previous course attempt, he rates a top three chance. Fixed odds: $4.80 & $2.00.

12:04 p.m. R3 7 The Mighty Spar (5 g Savabeel - O'Dianne) - Dean Parker; he broke through at his third attempt in the Maiden Hurdle (2800m) on 17 June at Te Rapa, drawing praise from top jump's jockey Aaron Kuru, and steps up in the $70,000 Te Whanghai Romneys Hawkes Bay Hurdles (3100m). He possesses pace on the flat over most rivals and looks a top three prospect if he jumps well. Fixed odds: $3.00 & $1.20.

12:38 p.m. R4 1 Aotea Lad (6 g Savabeel - Corsage) - Jess Allen (a4); he continued his good form with a notable third in the Open 1300 metres here on 5 June, and emulated that performance when fourth in a good field for the Open 1600 metres on 17 June at Te Rapa. Stepping to middle distance for the first time in the $35,000 Open Handicap 2100 metres, he enjoys weight relief to 56kg. He has placed in all three course attempts, including the Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m), and presents as a top three chance from barrier two. Fixed odds: $3.50 & $1.35. 

3:28 p.m. R9 1 Millefiori (4 m Iffraaj - Miss Bluebell) - Jonathan Riddell; she ran on well for second in a trial on 26 May at Waipa, before posting the fastest last 600m (34.6) on the day to parcel up the Open 1100 metres on 10 June at Awapuni. The winner of six, she is stakes' performed, and is capable of a podium finish from barrier three in the $65,000 Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic (Listed, 1400m). Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.50.  

4:03 p.m. R10 1 Hero Worship (4 g Xtravagant - Idol) - Temyia Taiaroa (a2); he got home well for third in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 17 June at Te Rapa, and contests the $30,000 Rating 65 1400 metres. Drawn the ace, the apprentice engagement provides weight relief to 58kg - he continues to put in despite a long season and looks a top three proposition. Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.50. 

4:03 p.m. R10 4 Malborough Bay (3 g Darci Brahma - Spin ‘N Grin) - Jess Allen (a4); he finished solidly for third when resuming in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 8 June at New Plymouth, and was fourth in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 21 June at Pukekohe. He too contests the $30,000 Rating 65 1400 metres, his apprentice engagement sees him carry 55kg, he is stakes' placed and this consistent performer rates a top four chance. Fixed odds: $8.50 & $2.70.