Te Akau Te Rapa Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has four horses racing on Saturday 11 February at Te Rapa.

As on Friday 10 February the conditions were: fine and Dead4, rail true. No rain forecast.

1:05 p.m. R2 7 Gold Fever (2 f Savabeel - Gold Rocks) - Cameron Lammas; finished a close third in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) on 1 January at Ellerslie, with the winner Hasahalo (Savabeel) going on for second to the Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards trained Melody Belle (Commands) in the $1m Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m). She created a very good impression when winning here on debut over 1000 metres, with Lammas aboard, just missed beating Dijon Bleu (Burgundy) at her second start, and given a chance to freshen between races looks a major player over 1200 metres in the $30,000 Race A Horse with Te Akau - 2017 Karaka Million Stable.

1.40 p.m. R3 6 Its Our Showtime (4 m Showcasing - Be Inspired) - Cameron Lammas; trialled superbly before resuming with an impressive victory in the $20,000 Rating 65 1200 metres on 28 January at Pukekohe, with Lammas aboard, and steps up in grade and distance in the $30,000 Rating 75 1400 metres. She drops in weight from 58.5kgs to 55.5kgs, has won second up previously, and having clocked a slick time of 33.4 for the final 600m when winning she rates a genuine contender.

3.23 p.m. R6 8 Abidewithme (7 m Redoute's Choice - Crimson) - Michael McNab; displayed both grit and talent when forging home to grab third in the $200,000 Thorndon Mile (Gr. 1, 1600m) on 28 January at Trentham, having closed earnestly for eighth in the weight-for-age Zabeel Classic (Gr. 1, 2000m) on Boxing Day at Ellerslie. In foal to Tavistock (Montjeu) and making her swansong in the weight-for-age $400,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m), she has a top course/distance record with McNab aboard and another game performance would be a fitting end to the racing career of this tremendous mare. Fixed odds: $12.00 & $3.60.

4.33 p.m. R8 12 Heroic Valour (3 c Fastnet Rock - Myrrh) - Michael McNab; ran a top race only to be claimed in the last stride on 29 January in the $250,000 Karaka 3YO Mile (Listed, 1600m) at Ellerslie, and third up from a break he contests the $200,000 NRM Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m). Saddled with 55.5kgs under weight-for-age conditions, he is a quality colt that finished third in the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), won the Diamond Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) as a two-year-old, and a touch of luck in finding a good spot from barrier nine should see him register another good performance. Fixed odds: $8.50 & $2.85.

Tribute to Abidewithme

Milou Grylls has formed a very close relationship with the ‘Queen of Te Akau', having been her track rider and constant companion on race days.

“I'm a little bit emotional,” she said. “She is still looking very well and bright, and not done a lot since Trentham.

“She had a gallop on Tuesday and that was really nice work. She was very strong on the bridle, which is what she should be.

“I'm just happy that I got to ride her when I first came to Te Akau, and she's just the type of horse I like. She's forward, so professional, does her thing and is always happy doing it. She's happy in herself and absolutely loves track work, and one of the most honest horses I have ever worked with. She tries so hard every time, which is something special too.

“She tries her heart out and really deserves a Group One win; she's been Group One placed a few times, so it would be good if she could get this.

“Hopefully the pace is on and she can finish off really well, as she gives herself a fair bit to do in her races. We just need a bit of luck on our side.

“It's been a privilege to look after her because she's such a lovely mare and it will be nice to see her babies - she's a superstar.”