Te Akau NZ Weekend Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has six horses racing at two venues on Saturday 7 November.

Te Rapa:

As on Friday 6 November the conditions were: fine and Good3, rail out 8 metres.

5.27 p.m. R9 7 Tavis Star (4 m Tavistock - Megapins) - Cameron Lammas; resumes off 140 days from barrier five in the Rating 65 1400 metres, after just being claimed by group three winner Decorah (Pins) in a recent trial at Te Aroha. Both her dam, Wellington Cup winner Megapins (Pins), and grand-dam Instant Divorce (Fiesta Star) showed versatility in the distances and footing over which they excelled and this mare follows suit.

Riccarton:

As on Friday 6 November the conditions were: fine and Dead4, rail true.

12.45 p.m. R2 8 Madame Jamai (4 m Minstrel Court - Palais Jamai) - Matt Cameron; recorded a tough win on Oct. 9 in the Rating 65 1200 metres at Timaru, and steps up to the Rating 75 1100 metres with blinkers on. Winner of the $30,000 maiden over 1200 metres during cup week last year and although striking a far stronger field she lacks little on the score of tenacity.

1.55 p.m. R4 7 Vive La Difference (4 m Choisir - L'Artiste) - Matt Cameron; gained just reward when winning the Rating 75 1800 metres here a fortnight ago and steps up in distance for the Rating 85 2000 metres. Blinkers replace side winkers and from barrier two she has the quality to force the issue again.

2.31 p.m. R5 11 Windborne (3 f Darci Brahma - Sweet Dreams Baby) - Matt Cameron; finished fourth in the $50,000 John Grigg Stakes (Listed, 1400m) at Ashburton, after winning the $50,000 Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) by three lengths here when fresh up. Under 53kgs she takes on the older sprinters in the $50,000 Pegasus Stakes (Listed, 1000m). Drawing barrier two is a huge plus and the race appears an exciting option for her.

3.51 p.m. R7 9 Xtravagant (3 c Pentire - Axiom) - Matt Cameron; was first from the gates and won untouched after racing handily on Oct. 24 in the 3YO 1400 metres at Trentham, after a strong second-up third to Let Her Rip (Rip Van Winkle) over 1200 metres at Te Rapa. Although bypassing the Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m) and Sarten Memorial (Gr. 3, 1400m) both the TAB and punters are happy to install him as race favourite for the $400,000 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m). He has the speed to negate barrier thirteen and while requiring luck to find a good position there is a class element about him that says he can win the race. His brother, He's Remarkable, finished second to Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park) in the 2010 rendition, with this rider aboard, and the preparation has certainly culminated to have him at peak on the day - one of two in the race for Te Akau.

3.51 p.m. R7 12 Bishop Rock (3 c Fastnet Rock - Festival Princess) - Michael McNab; recorded a dominant win on Oct. 17 in the Maiden 1600 metres at Ashburton, and he has been prepared on course since mid September with the 2000 Guineas in mind. It is a massive leap in class and the draw has added no favours but he warrants his place and the rider won four races here a fortnight ago for Te Akau.