Te Akau Trans Tasman Friday Preview

Te Akau Racing has two horses entered on Friday 21 February at Wanganui, and on horse at Moonee Valley, Melbourne.

Wanganui:

Weather: fine, track: Soft6, rail: out 3 metres. No rain forecast.

12:10 p.m. R1 8 Santarelli (4 m Darci Brahma – Pennacchio) – Craig Grylls; she understandably tired after working on pace in the Maiden 1400 metres on 31 January at Te Rapa, and contests the $18,500 Maiden 1360 metres. She debuted with a good performance for third in the Maiden 1200 metres on 12 December at Ellerslie, got through near the rail for fourth in the Maiden 1200 metres on 2 January at Tauranga, and here receives the opportunity to bounce back. Fixed odds: $3.70 & $1.50.

12:45 p.m. R2 5 Matakana Girl (4 m Ace High – Bankside Belle) – Craig Grylls; she ran the fastest last 600m (35.6) from last to finish fifth when resuming in the Maiden 1200 metres on 31 January at Te Rapa, and contests the $18,500 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1360 metres (eligible $26,000 bonuses). She raced well during her first campaign as a three-year-old and presents as a top three chance. Fixed odds: $3.20 & $1.45.     

Moonee Valley:

Weather: fine, track: Good4, rail: true. No rain forecast.

11:15 p.m. (NZ time) R7 3 Mehzebeen (5 m Almanzor – Salkantay) – Craig Williams; she was unable to quicken from the trail when resuming in the Benchmark 100 2000 metres on 8 February at Caulfield, and contests the A$200,000 Listed Manhari Torney Night Cup over 2500m. Spelled after winning both the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) and Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) during Cup Week in November at Riccarton, there should be sharp improvement as she continues to step up in distance. NZ TAB fixed odds: $21.00 & $5.00.