Te Akau Te Rapa Monday Preview

Te Akau Racing has seven horses entered on Monday 26 October at Te Rapa. 

Te Rapa: 

Weather: fine, track: Soft5, rail: true. No rain forecast. 

3:05 p.m. R5 2 System Of Play (3 c Ole Kirk – Statuesquely) – Michael McNab; he charged home for victory when resuming in the 3YO 1400 metres on 19 September at Ellerslie, and contests the $150,000 Group 2  James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m). He looked good during an exhibition gallop on 14 October at Tauranga, and impressed winning here on debut over 1200 metres in April,. Unbeaten in two starts, he’s formed a very good association with his jockey, and rates a top three chance from barrier four. Fixed odds: $2.80 & $1.50. 

3:43 p.m. R6 3 When Stars Align (5 g Zoustar – Shenandoah) – Opie Bosson; he was unable to quicken after a decent trip when resuming in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 19 September at Ellerslie, has been patiently handled and given time (37 days), and is one of two stablemates contesting the $40,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. Undoubtedly a capable sprinter, with three wins to 1200 metres, he likes this course, and finds the opportunity to improve but will require luck from his wide draw (13). Fixed odds: $10.00 & $3.20.

3:43 p.m. R6 4 Avantaggia (4 m Wootton Bassett – Avantage) – Craig Grylls; the second runner in the event for the team, she raced well for second when resuming in the $40,000 Rating 75 1200 metres on 3 October at Matamata, won by race rival Magice. She ended her previous campaign with an impressive win over 1200 metres at Ellerslie, is beautifully bred out of Te Akau purchased and trained nine-time Group One winner Avantage (Fastnet Rock), and presents as a genuine top three chance. Fixed odds: $3.50 & $1.70.

4:18 p.m. R7 11 Stella Ma Bella (4 m Contributer – Bella Carolina) – Michael McNab; she took up a handy position between runners and remained tucked in behind while finishing strongly for fourth in a trial on 6 October at Matamata, and resumes in the $40,000 Rating 65 1300 metres. She is highly thought of, and competed in Group and Listed races following her impressive Maiden win over 1400 metres last season. She is more than capable of a top three finish first-up from barrier five. Fixed odds: $3.70 & $1.70.

4:53 p.m. R8 6 Zantabulous (7 m Almanzor – Zantelagh) – Opie Bosson; she peaked on her run following an economical trip when resuming in the Rating 75 1400 metres here on 25 September, also with Opie aboard, and is one of three stable starters in the $40,000 Rating 75 1500 metres. She raced very well during her last campaign, won a trial prior to resuming, and seeks to prove more competitive as long as things go her way from her wide draw (11). Fixed odds: $10.00 & $3.40.

4:53 p.m. R8 15 Uptown (4 m Savabeel – Urban) – Hayley Hassman (a1); she recorded a strong win when resuming in the Rating 65 1600 metres here on 25 September, also with our apprentice aboard, and is the second runner for the team in the Rating 75 1500 metres. She’s been improving as she matures, now with two wins from five starts, she commenced in good fashion, and has the talent to be right in this if she can navigate her dreadful gate (17). Fixed odds: $10.00 & $3.40.

4:53 p.m. R8 16 Vickezzlastcall (5 m Wrote – Vickezzchardonnay) – Craig Grylls; she pressed forward to travel between runners in midfield, drifted back in the home straight but was otherwise fine for a staying mare over a sprint distance in a trial on 6 October at Matamata. A lovely staying type resuming in the Rating 75 1500 metres, her two wins have come on yielding ground to 2100 metres, but she too has fallen foul of the draw gods (15). Fixed odds: $10.00 & $3.40.

Main picture - System of Play winning