Te Akau Riccarton Midweek Preview

Te Akau Racing has 11 horses entered on Wednesday 15 January at Riccarton. 

Riccarton:

Weather: fine, track: Soft6, rail: true. No rain forecast. 

3:55 p.m. R3 6 Hooray For Harry (3 g Harry Angel – Here We Come) – Ace Lawson-Carroll (a1); he worked forward outside the leader and was run down after leading in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 18 December at Ashburton. Likely to be ridden with cover from barrier 10, he receives the opportunity to improve in the $25,000 Maiden 1200 metres - the first of two stable runners in the event. Fixed odds: $6.00 & $2.20. 

3:55 p.m. R3 12 Corps D’Elite (3 f So You Think – Illuminati) – Craig Grylls; she came from beyond midfield and closed strongly in the fastest last 600m (34.9) for second when debuting in the Maiden 1200 metres on 18 December at Ashburton. Also contesting the $25,000 Maiden 1200 metres, her dam Illuminati (Keeper) included a stakes’ win over 1400 metres among a career tally of 10 wins from 1200m – 1560m, and the filly rates a top three chance. Fixed odds: $2.80 & $1.45.  

4:30 p.m. R4 2 Sorcha (5 m Burgundy – Niamh Elizabeth) – Craig Grylls; the first of two contenders for the stable in this race, she finished seventh when resuming in a briskly run (1:09.9) Rating 75 1200 metres on 29 December at Wanganui, and contests the $25,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. A genuine performer, she sports a solid distance record, and will be looking to improve second-up. Fixed odds: $9.00 & $2.15.  

4:30 p.m. R4 7 Polly Plum (6 m Xtravagant – Herstory) – Ace Lawson-Carroll (a1); she peaked on her run when resuming in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 21 December at Trentham en route south, and likewise contests the $25,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. She was a trial winner prior at Taupo, and has drawn (1) to enjoy an economical trip. Fixed odds: $17.00 & $3.10. 

5:10 p.m. R5 2 French Rose (5 m Burgundy – Paraiba) – Craig Grylls; she remained back when also resuming in that briskly run (1:09.9) Rating 75 1200 metres on 29 December at Wanganui, and contests $25,000 Rating 65 1200 metres. The first of two stablemates lining up in this race, she loves being in the south, is dropping back in grade, has recorded three wins over distance, and is looking to improve second up from her handy barrier draw (1).  Fixed odds: $13.00 & $3.80.   

5:10 p.m. R5 11 About Last Night (3 f Capitalist – Kissmelikearocksta) – Ace Lawson-Carroll (a1); she contested the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes over 1200m here in September, and resumes without a trial in the $25,000 Rating 65 1200 metres. Owned by a ladies’ partnership, she is a natural runner that won on debut, and is ideally drawn (3) to make an impact on her return to racing. Fixed odds: $3.80 & $1.70.

5:49 p.m. R6 13 Star Shadow (3 f Reliable Man – Scene Queen) – Craig Grylls; she ran on well from last to finish fifth in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) on 26 December at Wingatui, and contests the $25,000 Rating 65 1400 metres. She has raced consistently well in good fields and comes in to this event with top three credentials. Fixed odds: $5.00 & $2.05.

6:24 p.m. R7 1 Rule Of Law (4 g Justify – Repeat) – Craig Grylls; he finished well for third in the Rating 65 1600 metres here (poly-track) on 6 December, has been given time (40 days), and contests the $25,000 Rating 65 1600 metres. He has placed twice at this distance and has shown the ability to act well when in a fresh state, but he requires luck from the wide draw (14) - one of two in the race for the team. Fixed odds: $5.00 & $2.05.  

6:24 p.m. R7 2 Beau Brummell (4 g Embellish – Fashion Forward) – Ace Lawson-Carroll (a1); he was collared after working to lead in the Rating 75 2000 metres here during Cup Week in November, was given time away (67 days), and resumes in the $25,000 Rating 65 1600 metres. A dual course winner over 1600 metres, he posted a notable fourth in the Listed Southland Guineas over 1600m last season, and is certainly capable of a bold showing. Fixed odds: $15.00 & $4.20.

7:05 p.m. R8 4 Our Milly Bee (5 m Merchant Navy – Rina Bettina) – Craig Grylls; she finished well after circling widest in the Rating 65 2200 metres on 14 December at Te Rapa, and put in a top run for second in the Rating 65 2300 metres on 26 December at Otaki. One of two for the stable Contesting the $25,000 Rating 65 2000 metres, she has been winner in this grade over 2200 metres, is a very consistent performer, and looks a definite top three chance from barrier six. Fixed odds: $4.20 & $1.90. 

7:05 p.m. R8 9 Sailing Away (4 g Merchant Navy – Anchovy) – Ace Lawson-Carroll (a1); he found the Heavy10 going too testing in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 26 December at Wingatui, and also contests the $25,000 Rating 65 2000 metres. He brings a solid course record to the contest and appears suited to stepping up in distance, but he is another that requires luck from a wide draw (15). Fixed odds: $17.00 & $5.00.