Te Akau NZ Weekend Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has horses racing at two venues on Saturday May 2: six on the twelve race programme at Te Rapa, and one on the ten race premier programme at Riccarton.

Te Rapa: 

As on Friday May 1 the conditions were: fine and Slow7, rail out 4 metres.

11.45 a.m. R3 7 Sir Darci (4 g Darci Brahma - Dominant) - Matt Cameron; resumes off 127-days from barrier eleven in the Rating 85 1200 metres. He went to the line with more to offer in a recent 1000-metre trial behind Tavy (Tavistock), won here over a mile at his only course attempt, and has the fresh up credentials to work home nicely from off the pace.

1.30 p.m. R6 2 Unsurpassed (2 c Exceed and Excel - Alamantra) - Matt Cameron; produced a solid effort for third to race rival Thwaya (Snitzel) on March 28 in the 2YO 880 metres on Dead6 footing at Ellerslie. On this course three starts ago he never received all favours when finishing second to Rocanto (Per Incanto) in the 2YO 1200 metres, and contests the Hamilton Vets Equine 2YO Stakes (Listed, 1100 metres) from barrier six. Currently $9.00 & $2.80 in the fixed odds markets reflects a field of genuine depth, but also that he rates a solid each way chance.

2.40 p.m. R8 9 Tiara (4 m O'Reilly - Royal Lady) - Matt Cameron; resumes off 78-days, having recorded a win and two thirds from five starts in her previous campaign. Drawn wide in the Rating 65 1600 metres, she was a course/distance winner last November, and an encouraging performance can be expected providing she settles into a nice position.

3.17 p.m. R9 15 Seline (4 m Pentire - Dion) - Rafael Schistl; found the heavy going beyond her last time out at Awapuni, and comes into a midfield barrier for the Maiden 1600 metres. While striking a strong field, she has a turn of foot run to home solidly.

4.27 p.m. R11 11 Astrid (3 f Pins - Astralita) - Matt Cameron; registered a strong performance to win the NZB Pearl Series 3YO Fillies Maiden 1200 metres on April 1 at Matamata, and given a reprieve since she now steps up to contest the Rating 65 1200 metres. Drawn barrier eight in a strong field, she ran the time and sectional (1:10.1 - 34.7) when winning not to be overawed.

4.57 p.m. R12 13 Madame Jamai (3 f Minstrel Court - Palais Jamai) - Josh Oliver (a2); never coped the Heavy10 footing when resuming at Awapuni, yet would also bring improvement for the run into the Rating 65 1200 metres. Claiming two kilos to carry 54.5kgs, she is a genuine competitor and recorded her maiden victory in smart fashion over this trip during cup week last November at Riccarton.

Riccarton: 

As on Friday May 1 the conditions were: fine and Dead5, rail out true.

4.10 p.m. R9 15 Angelica Hall (4 m Guillotine - Greta Hall) - David Walsh; came off a wide run with a solid performance for sixth in the NZB Finance & Leasing Sprint (Listed, 1200m) on April 18 at Hastings, having run a slashing race in front before bowing to Vespa (Elusive City) in the Flying Handicap (Listed, 1400m) at Awapuni. Weighted on the minimum (53kgs) in the Great Easter Stakes (Listed, 1400m), she is reported to be bright in condition following a midweek flight and brings rather unique form, in relation to her opponents, which should stand her in good stead.