Te Akau Trans Tasman Saturday Preview

Te Akau Racing has 10 horses entered on Saturday 17 February: Ellerslie, Invercargill, and Flemington (Melbourne). 

Ellerslie:

Weather: fine, track: Good4, rail: out 6 metres. No rain forecast.

2:10 p.m. R4 2 Aotea Lad (7 g Savabeel – Corsage) – Jess Allen (a3); he produced a notable effort off an economical trip for fourth in the Open Handicap 1600 metres on 12 January at Tauranga, has been given time (36 days), and contests the $65,000 Open Handicap 1500 metres. Racing solidly, he enjoys weight relief to 56kg and has combined with the Te Akau apprentice to win previously. Fixed odds: $14.00 & $4.20. 

2:52 p.m. R5 4 Star Of Justice (3 f Justify – Fair Isle) – Matt Cameron; she found line for fifth when resuming in the Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) here on 27 January, and contests the $100,000 SkyCity Horizon Uncle Remus Stakes (Listed, 1200m). She showed ability with two wins from four starts in her first campaign, including Barneswood Farm Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m), and has first four claims from barrier one. Fixed odds: $12.00 & $3.50.

3:28 p.m. R6 1 Tokyo Tycoon (3 g Satono Aladdin – All About The Coin) – Warren Kennedy; he produced a notable effort for fifth to race rival Orchestral (Savabeel) in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (Restricted Listed, 1600m) here on 27 January, and contests the $175,000 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (Gr. 2, 2100m). He pleased Kennedy in an exhibition gallop on 7 February at Matamata, has drawn the ace and appears ready to step up in distance - the first of a stable trio. Fixed odds: $14.00 & $3.80.

3:28 p.m. R6 2 Ascend The Throne (3 g Savabeel – Thee Achiever) – Matt Cameron; he lengthened stylishly to win the Maiden 2000 metres on 10 January at Matamata, and stepped up in class with a very good victory in the Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m) on 31 January at Te Rapa. A progressive staying three-year-old, he shapes to race well in the $175,000 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (Gr. 2, 2100m) if appreciative of the course at first attempt. Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.50.  

3:28 p.m. R6 6 What You Wish For (3 g Embellish – Grand Wish) – Vinnie Colgan; he found line strongly for a close fourth in the 3YO 1500 metres on 14 January and came from last for fourth in the fastest last 600m (34.9) in the Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m) on 31 January, both at Te Rapa. Also contesting the $175,000 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (Gr. 2, 2100m), he will require luck from the wide gate (11) but any emulation of his last effort would make him competitive. Fixed odds: $16.00 & $4.20.

4:03 p.m. R7 2 Prise De Fer (8 g Savabeel – Foiled) – Vinnie Colgan; he ran a solid race in a good field for the Open Handicap 2070 metres on 7 February at Matamata, and contests the $175,000 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m). A Group One winner over 1600 metres, he is Group placed at 2400 metres, nicely weighted at 55.5kg, but requires a lot top go right for him from his wide gate (18) - another feature with a stable trio represented. Fixed odds: $18.00 & $5.50. 

4:03 p.m. R7 10 Fierce Flight (5 g Flying Artie – First Bloom) – Per-Anders Graberg; he ran a top race for second in the Wellington Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m) on 20 January at Trentham, and galloped well with Group One winning stable-mate Campionessa (Contributer) in a exhibition outing on 7 February at Matamata. He is racing well, but is another who has copped the a terrible draw (14) in the $175,000 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m). Fixed odds: $16.00 & $4.80.

4:03 p.m. R7 13 Mehzebeen (4 m Almanzor – Salkantay) – Michael McNab; she looked good running the fastest last 600m (34.5) for third in the Open Handicap 2070 metres on 7 February at Matamata, and likewise contests the $175,000 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m). Carrying the minimum weight (52kg), she is well positioned to make an impact in this if she too can secure the right run from the awkward gate (11).  Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.70.  

Invercargill:

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

4.10 p.m. R8 2 Beau Brummell (3 g Embellish – Fashion Forward) – Ashvin Goindasamy; he did well off an interrupted passage in the fastest last 600m (35.1) for fourth in the Maiden 1600 metres on 18 January and posted the fastest 600m (34.7) again when striding clear to win easing down by three lengths in the Maiden 1600 metres last Saturday, both at Riccarton. Stepping up in the $120,000 ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (Listed, 1600m), he brings winning form to this contest and shapes to measure up despite the quick back-up, if assisted by a decent trip from barrier seven.  Fixed odds: $7.00 & $2.50. 

Flemington:

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

6:15 p.m. (NZ time) R8 4 Imperatriz (5 m I Am Invincible – Berimbau) – Opie Bosson; she spelled after recording her eighth Group One victory in the A$3 million Darley Champions Sprint (Gr. 1, 1200m) here on 11 November, and most recently finished fifth in a quiet trial on 5 February at Cranbourne. Drawn barrier two in the A$1 million Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (Gr. 1, 1000m), she is the benchmark (rated 119), is racing impeccably, and warrants her favouritism. NZ TAB fixed odds: $1.90 & $1.15.