Te Akau Saturday Awapuni Preview

Te Akau Racing has four horses entered on Saturday 6 March at Awapuni.

Weather: cloudy, track: Dead5, rail (inside bend): out 2 metres 800m - 350m, remainder out 7 metres. 10mls rain forecast Saturday afternoon.

12.10 p.m. R1 4 I Wish I Win (2 g Savabeel - Make A Wish) - Johnathan Parkes; found plenty in winning a trial on 2 February at Rotorua, and again without being extended on 16 February at Cambridge. On debut from barrier three in the $10,000 Maiden 2YO 1200 metres, he meets a few with race day form but already shown ability and versatility and has the pedigree. Fixed odds: $2.25 & $1.20.

12.45 p.m. R2 14Waipapa (3 f Savabeel - Hinemoa) - Michael McNab; was best through the line when trialling on 2 February at Rotorua, and tracked nicely between runners to photo-finish for third on 16 February at Cambridge. From dual stakes winning Elusive City mare Hinemoa, expect a solid first-up effort from barrier one in the $10,000 Maiden 1200 metres. Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.60.

4.15 p.m. R8 3 Aotea Lad (4 g Savabeel - Corsage) - Joe Kamaruddin (a3); found the line from last when resuming in the Rating 74 1200 metres on 31 January at Pukekohe, and wound up well from last to finish third in the Rating 74 1400 metres on 21 February at Hastings. Ideally drawn (4), racing well, with weight relief to 57kg, he rates a top four chance in the $15,000 Rating 74 1550 metres. Fixed odds: $8.00 & $2.50.

4.15 p.m. R8 5 Leaderboard (6 g Street Cry - Flower Fairy) - Johnathan Parkes; resumed with a good effort for third in the Rating 74 1600 metres on 19 February at Wanganui, and improved for the race and trip away he contests the $15,000 Rating 74 1550 metres. A three-time winner to 2400m and destined to step in distance, he appears ideally placed to race well again.Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.50.