Te Akau Pukekohe Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has two horses racing on Sunday 11 February at Pukekohe.

As on Saturday 10 February the conditions were: showery and Dead6, rail out 7 metres. 5mls rain forecast Saturday, 10mls Sunday.

4.20 p.m. R6 2 Gris Dame (3 f Reliable Man - Double Babu) - Jonathan Riddell; ran terrific races for third and fifth respectively in the Eight Carat Classic (Gr. 2, 1600m) and Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) at Ellerslie, and freshened since she resumes off 41 days in the $11,000 Rating 70 1600 metres. Given her performances against the best fillies, she can be expected to perform well in this grade before stepping up again in distance.

4.20 p.m. R6 10 Swing Note (3 f Encosta De Lago - Andallthatjazz) - Opie Bosson; ran the fastest last 600m (32.9) when charging home for third here to subsequent winner Mission Hill (Teofilo) in the 3YO 1400 metres on 26 January. She had spelled after recording a polished win, third in the Zacinto Stakes (Listed, 1600m), and notable fifth in the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), November, at Riccarton. She too is expected to perform well in the $11,000 Rating 70 1600 metres.

Both fillies hold a nomination for the $400,000 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) on Saturday 17 March at Trentham, and following this race will be eyeing lead-up options of the $70,000 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (Gr. 3, 2100m) on Thursday 1 March at Hastings, or the $70,000 McKee Family Sunline Vase (Gr. 3, 2100m) on Saturday 3 March (Derby Day) at Ellerslie.