Te Akau North South Thursday Preview

Te Akau Racing has 11 horses entered on 28 December at Rotorua, and Timaru. 

Rotorua: 

Weather: fine, track: Heavy8, rail: true. Showers forecast. 

12:35 p.m. R2 2 Malmaison (3 g Darci Brahma – Altai Rose) – Opie Bosson; he lengthened off an economical trip when beaten a nose on debut in the Maiden 1200 metres on 15 December at Tauranga, running the fastest last 600m (34.5), and contests the $18,500 Maiden 3YO 1215 metres. Ideally drawn (4), any emulation of his first up effort would position him as a top three prospect. Fixed odds: $3.20 & $1.55.

1:10 p.m. R3 1 Spellcraft (4 g Savabeel – Bewitching) – Opie Bosson; drew out with a rival when narrowly beaten in the Rating 60 1600 metres on 22 December at Matamata, and contests the $18,500 Rating 60 1950 metres. He has shown affinity for the course, has drawn the ace, and rates a top three chance if appreciative of the prevailing conditions. Fixed odds: $3.20 & $1.55.

2:20 p.m. R5 4 Autocracy (3 g Savabeel – Bingo) – Opie Bosson; he closed down the outside for third in a trial on 22 November at Taupo, and found the line from back in the field when debuting in the Maiden 3YO 1230 metres here on 10 December. He shapes to improve, as he steps up in distance for the $18,500 Maiden 1560 metres. Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.75.

2:55 p.m. R6 7 Star In The Sky (4 m Savabeel – Pikari Star) – Opie Bosson; she remained back when resuming in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 13 December at Hastings, and contests the $18,500 Rating 65 1560 metres. She ended her previous campaign with a win and receives opportunity to show improvement if she also handles the track at her first attempt. Fixed odds: $7.00 & $2.50.

3:29 p.m. R7 12 Sense of Timing (3 f Time Test – Pin Up Lae) – Opie Bosson; she was short of room in the straight when resuming with an eye-catching fifth in the Maiden 3YO 1230 metres here on 10 December, won by stable-mate Rue de Rivoli (Tivaci), and contests the $18,500 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres (eligible $20,000 bonus). She is capable of a top three finish but will need a lot of luck from the outside barrier (16), she does however have the right man aboard. Fixed odds: $5.00 & $2.00.

4:36 p.m. R9 6 Aequus (4 m Iffraaj – Equanimity) – Opie Bosson; she was finishing strongly from last before being held up in the Rating 65 1230 metres here on 10 December, and contests the $18,500 Rating 65 1215 metres. A capable mare, she is lightly raced, and looks a top three contender from barrier two. Fixed odds: $4.20 & $1.80. 

Timaru: 

Weather: showery, track: Soft7, rail: true. No rain forecast. 

3:07 p.m. R3 8 Sailing Away (3 g Merchant Navy – Anchovy) – Ngakau Hailey (a4); he fought on after being buffeted near the pace when debuting in the Maiden 1200 metres on 8 December at Riccarton (poly track), won by stable-mate Valorious (Heroic Valour), and contests the $18,500 Maiden 2YO & Up 1200 metres. With weight relief to 53kg, he is handily drawn (6), he receives the opportunity to show improvement - the first of two stable runners in the event. Fixed odds: $18.00 & $5.50.

3:07 p.m. R3 11 Clearly Royal (3 f Eminent – Enhance) – Lily Sutherland (a1); she began awkwardly but stretched out nicely for fourth when trialling on 5 December at Waipa, and debuts in the $18,500 Maiden 2YO & Up 1200 metres. Her dam stylishly won her first two starts over 1200 metres, and while this filly is likely to appreciate further, she is aided by a handy draw (4). Fixed odds: $18.00 & $5.50.

3:41 p.m. R4 6 Angels Wings (4 m Heroic Valour – Gowana) – Sam Weatherley; she was never really clear when resuming in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 8 December at Riccarton (poly track), and contests the $18,500 Rating 65 1200 metres. A winner twice to 1300 metres, she is a capable mare on her day, but is another needing luck from a difficult gate (12). Fixed odds: $6.50 & $2.40. 

4:14 p.m. R5 9 Sorcha (4 m Burgundy – Niamh Elizabeth) – Sam Weatherley; she did well from back in the field for fifth in the Rating 75 1200 metres on New Zealand Cup Day (18 Nov.), and fought hard for third in the Rating 75 1400 metres on 8 December at Riccarton (poly track). Drawn barrier one, she rates a top three chance in the $18,500 Rating 75 1200 metres. Fixed odds: $5.50 & $2.10.

4:55 p.m. R6 2 Perfect Scenario (6 g Iffraaj – Rosetti Bay) – Lily Sutherland (a); he produced a terrific performance under 60kg to win the Open Handicap 1400 metres on New Zealand Cup Day (18 Nov.) at Riccarton, and found the line strongly in the Open Handicap 1300 metres on 20 December at Ashburton. Contesting the $80,000 Timaru Heritage Cup (Open Handicap, 1600m), he was an impressive winner of the White Robe Lodge (Gr. 3, 1600m) last season, and presents as a top three chance from barrier one. Fixed odds: $5.00 & $2.00.