Te Akau Te Rapa Saturday Preview

Te Akau Racing has six horses entered on Saturday 29 July at Te Rapa. 

Weather: fine, track: Heavy8, rail: out 10 metres. No rain forecast.

1:08 p.m. R3 2 Aotea Lad (6 g Savabeel – Corsage) – Jess Allen (a4); he made ground for fourth in the Open Handicap 2100 metres on 1 July at Hastings, and drops back in distance for the $35,000 Open Handicap 1400 metres. He brings a strong course/distance record, has weight relief to 54.5kg, the blinkers are on, and with fitness as hard as a rock, he rates a top three chance. Fixed odds: $8.00 & $2.40. 

1:46 p.m. R4 4 Bak Da Master (8 g Mastercraftsman – Bak Da Princess) – Kylan Wiles (a3); he returned to his best with a notable second to race rival Raucous (Nom du Jeu) in the 0-1 Steeplechase (3900m) here on 8 July, and contests the $30,000 Restricted Open Steeplechase (3900m). He has finished first and also recorded two seconds in four steeplechase attempts, enjoys key weight relief to 64.5kg, and looks a top three prospect. Fixed odds: $5.00 & $1.80. 

3:33 p.m. R7 3 Dancarina (4 m Sebring – Dance for Me) – Michael McNab; she has done little wrong since resuming, with two seconds and third at Ruakaka, most recently when beaten a nose in the $30,000 Rating 75 1200 metres on 15 July. Although she is having her first start on the course, she presents as a top three contender in the corresponding race - one of two in the event for the stable. Fixed odds: $3.00 & $1.35.

3:33 p.m. R7 4 Kai (4 m Ocean Park – Brilliant Blush) – Jess Allen (a4); she did well for fifth in very testing conditions here for the Rating 75 1400 metres on 8 July, and contests the $30,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. Aided by the apprentice weight relief to just 52kg, this same combination won over 1200 metres in May at Pukekohe, she has the blinkers on, and can deliver a first three finish. Fixed odds: $9.00 & $2.70.

4:33 p.m. R9 1 Hero Worship (4 g Xtravagant – Idol) – Warren Kennedy; he came out of the pack with a big finish for second in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 15 July at Ruakaka, and contests the $30,000 Rating 65 1300 metres. He again carries the top weight (60kg), but continues to put in despite a long season, and rates a top three chance in an event again with two stable representatives. Fixed odds: $5.50 & $2.10. 

4:33 p.m. R9 3 Malborough Bay (3 g Darci Brahma – Spin ‘N Grin) – Joe Doyle; he was competitive for minors when fifth in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 1 July at Hastings, and also contests the $30,000 Rating 65 1300 metres. He has been solid in each of his three recent starts, and is stakes' placed, but he requires a lot of luck from his wide gate (12). Fixed odds: $11.00 & $3.30.