Te Akau Te Rapa Midweek Preview

Te Akau Racing has five horses entered on Wednesday 31 January at Te Rapa.

Weather: fine, track: Good4, rail: out 7 metres. No rain forecast. 

5:02 p.m. R7 1 Alminette (4 m Burgundy – High Heels) – Opie Bosson; she travelled three wide near the pace and quickened to lead before being claimed by stable-mate Inca Belle (Darci Brahma) in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 12 January at Tauranga. Placed in both course attempts, she is racing well, and rates a top three chance in the $25,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Fillies and Mares Rating 65 1400 metres (eligible $20,000 bonus). Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.70. 

5:34 p.m. R8 6 Not Straight Laced (3 f Turn Me Loose – Clos De Tart) – Opie Bosson; she finished strongly in a very competitive finish for second in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 10 January at Matamata, and contests the $25,000 Maiden 3YO 1200 metres. She had more to offer in her debut the start prior, has drawn barrier one, and looks a realistic top three chance. Fixed odds: $2.30 & $1.25.

6:09 p.m. R9 2 Trobriand (3 c Kermadec – Arboreal) – Vinnie Colgan; he got going belatedly in the Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m) won by stable-mate Quintessa (Shamus Award) on 13 January at Trentham, and steps up in distance for the $160,000 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m). Unbeaten in two course attempts, including the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m), he has been consistent against the best of his age group, his sire Kermadec (Teofilo) has left multiple Group One winner to 2400 metres in Montefilia, and Zabeel (Sir Tristram) figures in his pedigree - the first of a stable trio lining up in the feature event. Fixed odds: $13.00 & $4.00.

6:09 p.m. R9 7 What You Wish For (3 g Embellish – Grand Wish) – Warren Kennedy; he found the line strongly for a close fourth in the 3YO 1500 metres on 14 January at Te Rapa, and steps up in distance to also contest the $160,000 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m). Impressive winning last season over 1300 metres, he too has been competitive against the best three-year-olds, on type he appears capable of appreciating a middle distance, but will certainly require luck from the wide gate (15). Fixed odds: $15.00 & $4.30. 

6:09 p.m. R9 10 Ascend The Throne (3 g Savabeel – Thee Achiever) – Opie Bosson; he produced two good efforts at Te Rapa, before lengthening stylishly to win the Maiden 2000 metres on 10 January at Matamata. Stepping up in class for the $160,000 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m), he appears a lovely staying prospect in the making, the blinkers are on, and he rates a top three chance from barrier one. Fixed odds: $7.00 & $2.50.