Te Akau Te Aroha Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has six horses entered for the nine race programme on Wednesday 20 April at Te Aroha.

As on Tuesday 19 April the conditions were: fine and Slow7, rail out 3 metres. No rain forecast.

12.08 p.m. R1 7 Splurge (3 c Savabeel - Splashing Out) - Matt Cameron; debuted over 1200 metres at Matamata, and steps up in distance for the Maiden 1400 metres. With the addition of blinkers and a tongue tie, he will be given the opportunity to improve when ridden forward.

12.45 p.m. R2 10 Grazia (3 f Savabeel - Trocair) - Matt Cameron; has trained on since producing a solid performance for third on debut in the Maiden 1400 metres at Matamata, and contesting the corresponding event she would not have to improve much to be right in the fight.

1.55 p.m. R4 8 Vinevale (3 f Flying Spur - Eden Valley) - Danielle Johnson; has continued to train well following an ideal preparatory trial over 1000 metres at Avondale, and resumes off 74 days in the Rating 65 1200 metres. Impressive winning on debut over 1200 metres, and unlucky not to gain another victory in three subsequent starts, she will be ridden quietly from a wide gate and should find plenty with the aid of blinkers.

2.30 p.m. R5 5 Linchpin (3 g Pins - Laurinel Princess) - Matt Cameron; was late scratched when the footing went from Dead6 to Slow9 last Wednesday at Rotorua. He has blinkers on for this assignment in the Maiden 3YO 1600 metres and the prospect of improving ground should aid his chances.

3.04 p.m. R6 7 Tavis Star (4 m Tavistock - Megapins) - Cameron Lammas; has been freshened and resumes off 75 days in the Rating 65 1400 metres. A course winner over a mile, on footing just into the heavy range, she should appreciate the going but expected to derive improvement for the run.

4.34 p.m. R9 4 Beacon of Hope (3 g Fastnet Rock - Randaroo) - Matt Cameron; fought solidly for third on Slow7 in the Rating 75 1400 metres at Rotorua, and contests the corresponding race from barrier one. The field has depth, but his form and fitness are solid and improving ground will aid his prospects.