Te Akau Taranaki Friday Preview
Date: 24 Nov 2023
Te Akau Racing has six horses entered on Friday 24 November at New Plymouth.
Weather: fine, track: Soft7, rail: out 4 metres. No rain forecast.
2:50 p.m. R1 9 She Turns Heads (3 f Headwater – Convene) – Warren Kennedy; produced another notable performance for third, despite Heavy8 proving too testing, in the Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 26 October at Rotorua, and contests the $25,000 Maiden 3YO 1400 metres. Placed at both course attempts, including the Taranaki 2YO Classic (Gr. 3, 1200m), she has blinkers on and deserves to break through.
5:10 p.m. R5 10 Firriato (4 m Almanzor – Deliciano) – Warren Kennedy; won both preparatory trials before resuming with win after top ride in the Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres (eligible $20,000 bonus) on 26 October at Rotorua. Third and fourth, respectively, in two course attempts, she shapes to handle rise in grade but requires touch of luck from barrier 12 to rate top three in the $25,000 Rating 65 1400 metres.
5:10 p.m. R5 12 Invincibeel (5 m Savabeel – Matakana) – Billy Jacobson; finished strongly for third when trialling on 10 October at Matamata, and did well behind leaders on unsuitable heavy ground when resuming in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 3 November at Te Aroha. Contesting the $25,000 Rating 65 1400 metres, narrowly beaten at only course attempt, she appreciates decent going and capable of solid effort.
5:41 p.m. R6 1 Belle of the Ball (5 m Savabeel – Lady Tatia) – Johnathan Parkes; got back and without much room in the straight when contesting the Rating 75 1600 metres on 11 November at Te Rapa. Drawn barrier one in the $25,000 Rating 75 2000 metres, stakes placed at the distance, and ability to rate a top three chance if continuing to improve.
5:41 p.m. R6 7 Family Ties (4 m Contributer – Glamazon) – Jess Allen (a3); made it consecutive thirds with another strong performance in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 11 November at Te Rapa, and contests the $25,000 Rating 75 2000 metres. Impressive winning the Oaks Prelude (Listed, 1800m) here last season, weight relief to 52kg, and rates a top three chance with luck from wide draw (11).
6:24 p.m. R7 6 Alminette (4 m Burgundy – High Heels) – Johnathan Parkes; finished fifth off economical trip in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 4 November at Tauranga, and contests the $25,000 Rating 65 1800 metres. Third in the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m), consistent performer, suited stepping up, and ideally drawn (4) to rate a top three chance.
