Te Akau NZ Saturday Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has three horses racing at two venues on Saturday 17 December.

Te Rapa:

As on Friday 16 December the conditions were: fine and Dead4, rail true. No rain forecast.

4.38 p.m. R8 11 Vinevale (4 m Flying Spur - Eden Valley) - Mark Du Plessis; worked through traffic for a notable fifth to subsequent Group Two runner-up Rising Shot (Red Giant) in the $25,000 Rating 75 1400 metres on 26 November at Ellerslie, and drawn barrier twelve in the $22,500 Rating 75 1500 metres. She recorded a solid fourth at her only previous course attempt, appears ideally placed in this field and with a bit of luck in running rates a good each way chance.

Awapuni:

As on Friday 16 December the conditions were: fine and Dead6, rail true. No rain forecast.

1.21 p.m. R2 1 Gold Fever (2 f Savabeel - Gold Rocks) - Jonathan Riddell; never had all favours when caught wide, yet still created a very good impression when winning on debut over 1000 metres at Te Rapa, and twenty days later she contests the $20,000 2YO 1100 metres. Both Cameron Lammas, who rode her at Te Rapa but currently injured, and track work rider Milou Grylls, have said she is a filly with “attitude and toughness”. From barrier five in a field of seven, she looks a readymade favourite.

3.12 p.m. R5 5 Vive La Difference (5 m Choisir - L'Artiste) - Rosie Myers; looked ready for a step up in distance when closing solidly here last Saturday in the $25,000 Rating 85 1600 metres and gets her chance in the $30,000 Rating 85 2000 metres. Twice a winner at 1800 metres and stakes placed over 2100 metres she meets a stronger field but should be suited by dead footing and possesses the quality to prove competitive.