Te Akau Taupo Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has seven horses entered for the eight-race programme on Wednesday October 8 at Taupo.

As on Monday October 6 the conditions were: overcast and Dead5, rail out 2 metres from the 800m to winning post.

1.25 p.m. R2 7 King's Rock (4 g Fastnet Rock - Nureyev's Girl) - Lee Magorrian (a3); circled widest from back in the field with a strong finish for fourth here on Sept. 19 in the Rating 65 1800 metres and contests the corresponding event from barrier two. Claiming three-kilos to carry 54.5kgs, it is hoped he can take up a handier position. Only lightly raced, he can force the issue with a few breaks going his way.

2.00 p.m. R3 5 Bettorock (3 f Fastnet Rock - Astounded) - Matt Cameron; succumbed to the heavy footing and horses wider on the track when making her debut on Sept. 17 in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres at Avondale. Prior to, she had trialled very well through August with a win and a third, respectively, in two outings at Te Teko. In the Maiden 1200 metres, she should be able to find a nice spot from barrier five and with a tongue tie on produce a performance somewhat more akin to her ability.

2.35 p.m. R4 3 Alchemy's Flight (4 m Darci Brahma - Eloa) - Matt Cameron; raced a touch keenly here fresh up over 1300 metres on Sept. 19, but kept up a solid gallop for fifth. Fitter for it, and back in distance for the Rating 65 1200 metres, she finished second at her only previous course attempt and should get her chance from barrier three - one of two in the race for Te Akau.

2.35 p.m. R4 6 Prince Henry (3 g Henrythenavigator - Ocean of Tears) - rider to be advised; went after the leaders near the home turn and quickened once balanced with a strong gallop to win here on debut: Sept 19 in the Maiden 1200 metres. That was on the back of very solid trials form, which saw him win and place three times from four outings. He will also be nominated for the 3YO 1200 metres on Saturday at Matamata, and trainer Jason Bridgman will weigh up his options closer to the time.

3.45 p.m. R6 8 Fast Fiction (5 g Fastnet Rock - Paperback) - Lee Magorrian (a3); has been freshened since digging deep for victory in the Benchmark 65 1200 metres on Aug. 27 at Matamata, having kept up a solid finish for third here in the Benchmark 65 1000 metres a week earlier. Up in grade to contest the Rating 75 1000 metres, he again receives weight relief courtesy of the apprentice jockey and a competitive performance in this line up would be encouraging - one of two in the race for Te Akau.

3.45 p.m. R6 11 Equanimity (3 f More Than Ready - Insouciant) - Matt Cameron; worked home on the bridle, keeping up a solid gallop for third in a recent trial over trial over 950 metres at Cambridge, and the winner of two from five starts resumes off 165-days. While the outing is a preparatory run for her campaign ahead, she was impressive winning on debut over 1230 metres in January at Rotorua. In a race run to suit, she can round off with gusto.

4.20 p.m. R7 13 No Tricks (3 f Savabeel - Mezaire) - Matt Cameron; made good inroads late in the piece for third, off a slow tempo, when making her debut in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on Heavy10 footing at Avondale. Three weeks later, she is down to contest the Maiden Fillies & Mares Pearl Series race, which carries an $11,500 bonus in addition to the $12,000 stake. Drawn barrier eighteen a decision to start remains in the balance and she is also entered for the 4.55 p.m. race 8 (Maiden 1300m) but currently fifth on the ballot.