Te Akau NZ Saturday Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has five horses entered for the nine-race programme at Matamata on Saturday 11th October and one horse entered for the nine race Hawera programme.

As of Friday morning, October 10 Matamata conditions were: Dead5 and fine with the rail in the true position.

1:20pm R2 14 Tiara (4 m O'Reilly - Royal Lady) - Leith Innes; resuming as a four-year-old after her meritorious effort in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks in March at her last start. Having had two trials in preparation last month and presenting as a stronger version of her three-year-old self after a decent spell, she should strip fit enough for a cheeky fresh up performance over 1400m on her home track under 56kg.

1:55pm R3 2 Prince Henry (3g Henrythenavigator - Ocean of Tears) - Leith Innes; his work has been consistent since his impressive victory from off the pace on debut at Taupo last month. He looks well placed here against his own age group on his home track. Having drawn an inside barrier in a small field with Leith Innes back in the saddle and track conditions to suit, one would expect another bold effort.

2:30pm R4 5 Longbeach (4g Fastnet Rock - Betwixt) - Leith Innes; second up after a gutsy but unlucky run fresh up for third at Hawke's Bay on the middle day of the spring carnival over 1400m, he steps up to a mile on Saturday with a good barrier and home track advantage. A solid gallop on Tuesday indicated he is fit and well for this assignment and with some luck in the running in a full field will have a chance to go closer than his last start.

3:42pm R6 5 Highly Likely (4g High Chaparral - Starrinka) - Leith Innes; a consistent performer with an affinity for his home track where he has a win and a second placing from two starts, he has drawn well for his fifth race day appearance. Beaten a nose last start in this grade, he will be an interesting runner in a solid field. Having coped well up in grade in his last two efforts, he will be a solid each way chance should he handle the improved track conditions.

4:17pm R7 4 Chambord (4g Zabeel - Miss Montjeu - pictured) - Leith Innes; third up this campaign after two genuine performances during the Hawke's Bay spring carnival when only just beaten over 1200m and 1400m respectively. On Saturday he steps up in class and distance in an effort to take out the featured Team Wealleans Matamata Cup over 1600m. Having drawn well and with only 54kg to carry, should be a contender on an improved track with some luck in the running.

As of Friday morning, October 10 Egmont conditions were: Dead4 and fine with the rail in the true position.

4:36 pm R8 9 Costa Viva (4m Encosta de Lago - Vivacious Spirit) - Matthew Cameron; fresh up this season after an unlucky winter campaign in Australia, the reigning New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year heads back to the races in this Group 3 Taranaki Breeders' event over 1400m. With strong form in the race she will need a bit of luck in the running from barrier nine. A stakes' winner at the distance, she has trialled in preparation and a bold gallop on Tuesday indicated she is primed to repeat her form of twelve months ago.