Te Akau Riccarton Midweek Preview

Te Akau Racing has nine horses entered on Wednesday 11 June at Riccarton (poly-track) 

Riccarton: 

Weather: overcast, track: poly-track, rail: true.

12:33 p.m. R2 2 Purple Prose (3 g Embellish – Lady Masako) – Bruno Queiroz; he sought cover from his wide draw (11) but was denied room when mounting a challenge in the straight -  subsequently finishing fifth in the $17,000 Maiden 1400 metres here (poly-track) on 29 May. Contesting the corresponding event, he made up ground when resuming over 1200 metres here the start before, and rates a top three chance if he can share some luck in the running from the outside gate (13). Fixed odds: $3.90 & $1.65.

1:07 p.m. R3 10 Queen Of Naples (3 f Darci Brahma – Tiffany’s Time) – Bruno Queiroz; she sustained a big finish from beyond midfield for a close second in the Maiden 1600 metres on here (poly-track) on 15 May, and contests the $17,000 Maiden 1600 metres. She ran the fastest last 600m (34.6) on debut the start prior, when fourth in the Maiden 2YO & Up 1350 metres on 27 April at Wanganui, and she is more than capable of delivering a top three finish despite her wide barrier (14). Fixed odds: $2.30 & $1.30. 

2:17 p.m. R5 3 Caravella (5 m Caravaggio – Highland Lights) – Yogesh Atchamah (a2); she received no room or luck in the straight after trailing in the $17,000 Rating 75 1200 metres here (poly-track) on 29 May, and is the first of a Te Akau trio contesting the corresponding event. With weight relief to 55kg, she has again drawn barrier one, is showing every indication she is back near her best, so she should not be overlooked. Fixed odds: $10.00 & $2.80.

2:17 p.m. R5 5 Sorcha (5 m Burgundy – Niamh Elizabeth) – Rohan Mudhoo; the second runner in this event for the team, this daughter of Burgundy did very well for a close second after racing three-wide in the $17,000 Rating 75 1200 metres here (poly-track) on 29 May, and also contests this corresponding event. She has recorded three poly-track victories, is a very genuine performer, and is ideally drawn (3) to deliver a dividend. Fixed odds: $4.60 & $1.75.

2:17 p.m. R5 8 Vivacious (4 m Dundeel – Vivi Veloce) – Bruno Queiroz; the final of the stable trio, she charged home for victory in the Rating 75 1400 metres here (poly-track) on 15 May, and remains in the same grade for the $17,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. Racing well, she brings winning form to this contest, and is a realistic top three chance from barrier five. Fixed odds: $3.10 & $1.45.

2:54 p.m. R6 10 Corps D’Elite (3 f So You Think – Illuminati) – Bruno Queiroz; she has needed, and was given, time and resumed with a compelling victory in the Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres here (poly-track) on 29 May. She likewise contests the Rating 65 1400 metres and has been ultra consistent, finishing runner-up in two of her four previous starts. She has the ability to handle the step up in grade, and has top three credentials but will need everything to go her way from the wide draw (12). Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.65.

3:29 p.m. R7 1 Angels Wings (5 m Heroic Valour – Gowana) – Bruno Queiroz; she was held up near the rail before getting clear late for fourth in the Rating 65 1400 metres here (poly-track) on 29 May, won by stable-mate Porcia Catonis (Super Seth), and contests the $17,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Rating 65 Fillies & Mares 1600 metres. Two of her three wins have been delivered on poly tracks, she looks to have returned to form, and is another more than capable of finishing in the top three - but again is another who has copped a nasty gate (15). Fixed odds: $8.50 & $3.00.

4:04 p.m. R8 2 Beau Brummell (4 g Embellish – Fashion Forward) – Rohan Mudhoo; he roared home to win when resuming in the $17,000 Rating 75 1600 metres here (poly-track) on 29 May, also with Mudhoo aboard, and lines up in the same grade and over the same distance. While his weight impost rises by 2.5kg to carry 58.5kg, he has now shown the ability to quicken on the synthetic surface following four wins on the turf, and he is capable of a first four finish despite being another that has made the 'draw gods’ unhappy (13)! Fixed odds: $4.60 & $1.90. 

4:15 p.m. R8 10 Alminette (5 m Burgundy – High Heels) – Bruno Queiroz; she received a good trip and finished well for third in the $17,000 Rating 75 1600 metres here (poly-track) on 29 May, won by stable-mate Beau Brummell (above). Contesting the corresponding event, she has recorded a win and four thirds from five starts here on poly-track, and looks for her to be charging home. Fixed odds: $6.50 & $2.35.