Te Akau Te Rapa Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has two horses entered for the eight race premier programme on Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April at Te Rapa.

As on Friday 24 April the conditions were: fine and Dead4, rail true.

2.55 p.m. R4 3 Rockfast (3 c Fastnet Rock - Gypsy Princess) - Matt Cameron; quickened with a strong finish for third on Heavy10 in a recent 1150-metre trial at Te Awamutu, and resumes off 70-days in the 3YO 1600 metres. He impressed in a fresh state when winning his Maiden here on Dead5 footing last September, and following his second in the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and chasing home Volkstok'n'barrell (Tavistock) in both the Great Northern Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m) and Karaka 3YO 1600 (Listed, 1600m) he warrants favouritism.

4.32 p.m. R7 2 Abidewithme (5 m Redoute's Choice - Crimson) - Michael McNab; produced a very good effort for third, given rain downgraded the track to Slow8, last Saturday in the Easter Handicap (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Ellerslie, having staged a massive performance when coming from the rear, through the pack, for third on Easter Saturday in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Te Aroha. She has combined with this rider in her last two starts. Unlucky not to have finished closer in the corresponding race last year, and with the likely of good ground, she has what it takes to measure up to her female rivals from barrier six in the weight-for-age Travis Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m). Her dam, Crimson (Zabeel), had a good affinity here when winning twice and finishing second in the Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (Gr. 2, 2000m).