Te Akau Riccarton Thursday Preview

Te Akau Racing has five horses entered on Thursday 1 May at Riccarton (poly-track) 

Riccarton: 

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

2:03 p.m. R5 15 Porcia Catonis (3 f Super Seth – Dark Heather) – Jasmine Fawcett; she did well off a wide trip for fourth when resuming in the Maiden 1200 metres on 12 April at Riccarton, and contests the $17,000 Maiden 1400 metres. She recorded a close second following a tough trip in the Maiden 1200 metres here on the poly-track on 6 December, and could be a top three chance but she will have to overcome a shocking draw (15). Fixed odds: $2.80 & $1.05. (Note: she sits one on the ballot - and also entered in Race 8).

2:40 p.m. R6 4 Angels Wings (5 m Heroic Valour – Gowana) – Jasmine Fawcett; she finished eighth in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 12 April at Riccarton, won by stable-mate Knowledge Is Power, and contests the $17,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Fillies & Mares 1400 metres. Two of three of her wins have come on poly tracks, she showed good form earlier in her campaign, and finds the opportunity to improve from barrier four. Fixed odds: $4.80 & $1.80.

3:20 p.m. R7 4 Caravella (5 m Caravaggio – Highland Lights) – Jasmine Fawcett; she travelled handily and was not far away against a stronger field in the Open Handicap 1200 metres on 12 April at Riccarton. Back in grade for the $17,000 Rating 75 1400 metres, and one of three in the event for the team, she was a winner here on the poly-track over 1200 metres, is ideally drawn (5), and can figure in the first four.  Fixed odds: $11.00 & $3.30.

3:20 p.m. R7 8 Mitre Peak (4 m More Than Ready – Liten Prinsessa) – Hayley Hassman (a4); she did very well closing from last in the fastest last 600m (35.0) to be runner up to subsequent winner Penrose Lad when resuming in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 16 April at Ashburton. Also contesting the Rating 75 1400 metres, the apprentice engagement will drop her down to 52.5kg. Both of her career wins have been here on this surface to 1400 metres, and she can deliver but is another who will need everything to go her way from her awkward gate (12). Fixed odds: $6.00 & $2.25.

3:20 p.m. R7 14 Vivacious (4 m Dundeel – Vivi Veloce) – Courtney Barnes; she raced handily and finished solidly in tight quarters for a close fourth in the Rating 75 1400 metres on 12 April at Riccarton, also with Barnes aboard, and she too contests the Rating 75 1400 metres. Racing well, she won first trial on the poly-track as two-year-old, and can feature in the finish if she can navigate her tricky draw (10). Fixed odds: $4.80 & $1.95.