Te Akau Trans-Tasman Saturday Preview
8 November, 2019
Te Akau New Zealand has six horses racing on Saturday 9 November: Te Rapa, Riccarton, and Flemington (Melbourne).
Te Rapa:
Weather: overcast, track: Good3, rail: out 8 metres. Showers forecast.
12.20 p.m. R1 1 Bordeaux Le Rouge (2 g Burgundy - De La Vere) - Samantha Collett; won his first trial handsomely here on 15 October, before winning again without urging on 29 October at Avondale. Debuting from barrier five in the $22,500 2YO 1000 metres, he meets a few with race experience but has natural precocity. Although bred to go further, in time, he has done enough to suggest a bold showing.
Riccarton:
Weather: fine, track: Dead5, rail: true. No rain forecast.
12.40 p.m. R2 6 Summer Monsoon (5 g Stratum - Princess Narine) - Michael McNab; returned to winning form stylishly last Sunday in the Rating 65 1400 metres at Motukarara, and steps up the $30,000 Rating 72 1400 metres. Able to settle, as he did last time, should allow the opportunity to prove competitive again. Fixed odds: $6.00 & $2.20.
3.03 p.m. R6 3 Remington (5 g Darci Brahma - Kudamm) - Troy Harris; ran similar time (34.3) to the winner on 5 October and clocked the fastest on the day (33.4) in the Open 1400 metres on 26 October, both at Riccarton. Although finishing seventh and sixth, respectively, there was enough in the performances to rate him an each way chance in the $30,000 Rating 82 1600 metres. Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.40.
3.43 p.m. R7 5 Aotea Lad (3 g Savabeel - Corsage) - Michael McNab; had no joy off a wide trip here in the War Decree Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) on 26 October, and contests the $500,000 Al Basti Equiworld 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) - a race Te Akau has won six times. He produced a big effort for third to race rival and favourite Catalyst (Darci Brahma) in the Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m) and has the ability to prove competitive. Fixed odds: $51.00 & $4.20.
5.03 p.m. R9 4 Al Haram (7 g Sea the Stars - En Public) - Michael McNab; delivered with a tough performance in the Rating 82 2200 metres on 19 October at Ashburton, having fought solidly here on 5 October when having his first southern start in the North Canterbury Cup (Open, 2000m). Drawn wide (11) is not ideal in the $75,000 Redwood Metropolitan Trophy Handicap (Listed, 2500m), but he brings the right form to prove competitive if able to secure a decent trip. Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.40.
Flemington:
Weather: showers, track: Good4, rail: out 9m entire circuit. 5mls rain forecast Friday & Saturday.
6.55 p.m. (NZ time) R8 15 Melody Belle (5 m Commands - Meleka Belle) - Opie Bosson; recorded her 10thGroup One with a brilliant victory in the $1m Empire Rose Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) here last Saturday, and contests the $2m Seppelt Mackinnon Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m). She made history becoming the first Hawkes Bay Triple Crown victor when winning the Livamol Classic (Gr. 1, 2040m) on 5 October at Hastings, and the NZ Horse of the Year should appreciate a return to 2000 metres. Luck from the draw (16) is paramount, but her incredible form line, competitiveness, and class, cannot be doubted. NZ TAB fixed odds: $3.00 & $1.50.
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