Te Akau Riccarton Midweek Preview

Te Akau Racing has six horses entered on Wednesday 5 March at Riccarton. 

Riccarton:

Weather: showery, track: Heavy8, rail: out 8 metres. Showers forecast.

3:55 p.m. R3 3 Hooray For Harry (3 g Harry Angel – Here We Come) – Michael McNab; he came out of midfield to lead before finishing second on Heavy8 going in the $25,000 Maiden 1200 metres on 23 February at Ashburton, and contests the corresponding event. He recorded the fastest last 600m (34.3) for second over 1200 metres here at his start prior, and is a realistic top three chance from barrier one. Fixed odds: $2.70 & $1.40.

4:30 p.m. R4 1 Discretion Rules (3 g Alabama Express – Miss Madonna) – Triston Moodley (a2); he finished second after working forward outside leader in the 3YO 1200 metres on 18 January at Wingatui, has been given time (46 days), and contests the $25,000 Rating 65 1200 metres (note he is a dual acceptor). He placed behind former stable-mate Nucleozor (Almanzor) – since sold to Hong Kong – in all three starts before winning the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) here last season, enjoys weight relief to 59.5kg with the apprentice engagement, and can certainly feature in the first three. Fixed odds: $3.80 & $1.45.

4:30 p.m. R4 5 Dream Of The Moon (3 f All Too Hard – Moonchild) – Michael McNab; she secured cover behind leaders, travelled well, and was under no pressure finishing strongly to win a trial on 25 February at Ashburton. Resuming in the $25,000 Rating 65 1200 metres, she was an impressive winner here as two-year-old, was up to the best of her age in stakes' races earlier this season, and certainly has what it takes to make an impression on this field. Fixed odds: $2.20 & $1.20.

5:00 p.m. R5 4 Caravella (5 m Caravaggio – Highland Lights) – Joe Doyle; she did well after being checked at the start in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 8 February at Wingatui, and contests the $25,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. She contested both the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) and Listed Stewards 'Stakes (1200m) here during Cup Week last November. All five of her career wins have come over 1200 metres, and she definitely has the ability to prove competitive if she appreciates the footing. Fixed odds: $7.00 & $2.35.

5:00 p.m. R5 7 Discretion Rules (3 g Alabama Express – Miss Madonna) – Kylie Williams; (also entered in Race 4 see above) - if he starts in this event, he is ideally drawn (4) to rate a top three chance. Fixed odds: $3.60 & $1.60. 

5:00 p.m. R5 11 Polly Plum (6 m Xtravagant – Herstory) – Ashvin Goindasamy; she fought well for sixth after racing on pace in the Rating 75 1400 metres here on 5 February, and contests the $25,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. Three of her four wins have been claimed on heavy tracks, so she should strike conditions to enhance her competitiveness. Fixed odds: $10.00 & $3.00.

5:33 p.m. R6 11 Star Shadow (3 f Reliable Man – Scene Queen) – Joe Doyle; she did very well coming from the rear for second in the Rating 65 1600 metres here on 5 February, and contests the $25,000 Rating 65 1600 metres. A capable filly that was unfortunately balloted out of Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m) last Saturday, she has first three credentials if she handles the going. Fixed odds: $4.80 & $2.00.