Te Akau Trans Tasman Friday Preview

Te Akau Racing has four horses entered on Friday 21 March at Pukekohe, New Zealand and one horse entered at Terang, Victoria.?

Pukekohe:

Weather: fine, track: Heavy10, rail: out 7 metres. No rain forecast. 

12:50 p.m. R2 6 Trobriand (4 g Kermadec – Arboreal) – Craig Grylls; he quickened to lead before being claimed near the line in the Open Handicap 1400 metres on 26 February at Taupo, and contests the $65,000 Open Handicap 1400 metres. He finished third at his only course attempt in the Karaka Million 2YO won by stable-mate and subsequent Champion Two-Year-Old Tokyo Tycoon. He has won on Heavy9 over 1400 metres, carries the minimum weight (54kg), and rates a top three chance. Fixed odds: $3.50 & $1.40.

2:01 p.m. R4 6 Cognito (5 g So You Think – Lady Primrose) – Craig Grylls; he made headway from last in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 1 March at Matamata, and contests the $65,000 Open Handicap 2100 metres. A winner and twice stakes’ placed on this track, most recently delivering a strong finish for third in the Group 3 Counties Cup over 2100m, he does have the ability to prove competitive if he handles the Heavy10 conditions. Fixed odds: $6.50 & $2.15.

3:52 p.m. R7 3 Baronet (5 g Contributer – Alpha Dame) – Ryan Elliot; he fought well for fourth after sharing the pace in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 27 January at Tauranga, and is one of two stable runners contesting the $55,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. He resumed with a good effort for third, prior, and all three of his career wins have been on heavy ground. He also placed on heavy going at  his only previous course attempt, and brings with him the right credentials to prove competitive. Fixed odds: $13.00 & $3.00.

3:52 p.m. R7 5 Bella Voce (4 m Fastnet Rock – Keep On Singing) – Masa Hashizume; she recorded consecutive victories when storming home to win the Rating 75 1200 metres in November at Wanganui, and resumes in the $55,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. Spelled after winning, she let down nicely for a very close third in a trial on 5 March at Taupo, and recorded a big win over 1200 metres on Heavy8 going previously. Given the prevailing conditions, her wide draw (12) may prove favourable, and she has the proven ability to act fresh. Fixed odds: $19.00 & $5.00.?

Terang:

Weather: overcast, track: Soft5, rail: out 3 metres 1000m – 400m, remainder true. No rain forecast. 

6:50 p.m. (NZ) ~ 4:50 p.m. (Vic) R7 1 Colour Sergeant (7 g Kingman – Quilita) – Sage Duric (a3); he was held together for third in a quiet jump out on 17 March at Cranbourne, and resumes in the A$27,000 Benchmark 58 1400 metres. Having his first start for the stable, he raced consistently well before winning over 2000 metres in Ireland, and recorded three subsequent wins to 1700 metres in Australia, including at Benchmark 78 level. He will take benefit from the apprentice engagement which provides weight relief to 59.5kg, and has the opportunity to commence his first campaign from his new stable with an encouraging performance.