Te Akau Riccarton Midweek Preview

Te Akau Racing has four horses entered on Wednesday 18 February at Riccarton. 

Riccarton:  

Weather: showery, track: Heavy8, rail: true. 3mls rain forecast Tuesday and no rain Wednesday. 

1:35 p.m. R1 12 Aishiteru (3 f Satono Aladdin – Cuddles For Layla) – Hayley Hassman (a2); she remained back from a wide draw (15) in the Rating 60 2000 metres here on 4 February, and drops in grade for the $25,000 Maiden 2000 metres. Having her third start, the blinkers are on, she has the apprentice weight relief to 54kg, has drawn well 2), and this is an opportunity to improve if she handles the heavy track. Fixed odds: $4.50 & $1.85.

4:30 p.m. R6 7 Belle Du Monde (3 f Zoustar – Lady Cartier) – Hayley Hassman (a2); she was collared late to finish a close fourth on Heavy 8 going after racing on pace when resuming in the Rating 65 1200 metres here on 24 January. Contesting the $25,000 Rating 65 1200 metres, she was fourth in the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) last season, also has weight relief (to 55.5kg), and rates a top three chance. Fixed odds: $3.40 & $1.75.

6:58 p.m. R10 1 Elegant Lady (6 m Highly Recommended – Lady Masako) – Hayley Hassman (a2); she was unable to threaten from the rear in the Open Handicap 2200 metres on 26 December at Wingatui, and contests the $25,000 Rating 75 2000 metres. She has stacked up four wins to 2200 metres, is twice stakes’ placed to 2400m, and boasts a good course/distance record. The blinkers go on, Hayley brings her weight down to 59.5kg, and she has shown the ability to cope with yielding ground - one of two in the field for the team. Fixed odds: $4.60 & $1.90. 

6:58 p.m. R10 3 Court Of Appeal (5 m Eminent – Katy O’Beel) – Bruno Queiroz; she made ground down the outside from last when resuming on Heavy8 in the Rating 75 1600 metres here on 24 January. Contesting the $25,000 Rating 75 2000 metres, she’s a versatile staying mare, has recorded four wins to 2200 metres, and possesses the ability to prove competitive in what has come up a good field. Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.75. 

Main picture - Belle Du Monde winning