Te Akau Trans Tasman Sunday Preview

Te Akau Racing has four horses entered on Sunday 13 April at Te Rapa, New Zealand, and three horses entered at Pakenham, Victoria.

Te Rapa:   

Weather: overcast, track: Soft6, rail: true. No rain forecast. 

12:52 p.m. R2 8 Celestial Wonder (3 f Xtravagant – Meteoric Lass) – Lily Sutherland (a); she ended her previous campaign earning valuable black type when finishing second to subsequent Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) winner Hitabell in the Listed O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes over 1340m, and snuck through to dead-heat for first with subsequent fresh-up winner Electric Zou in a trial on 1 April at Ellerslie. Contesting the $35,000 3YO 1200 metres, she brings very good trial and race form into this equation and rates a top three chance from barrier two. Fixed odds: $3.80 & $1.50.

2:00 p. m. R4 4 Stonybreck (5 g Tavistock – Fair Isle) – Craig Grylls; he ran home strongly down the outside for fourth in a trial won by Celestial Wonder (above) on 1 April at Ellerslie, and resumes in the $40,000 Open Handicap 1400 metres. The impressive winner of seven races (970m – 1550m), he has proven ability to act well when fresh, and has first four claims from his handy barrier three. Fixed odds: $14.00 & $2.80. 

2:40 p.m. R5 2 Balance Of Power (4 g Almanzor – Respin) – Triston Moodley (a2); he made it three wins from last four starts when getting away over the concluding stages in the Rating 75 2000 metres on 8 March at New Plymouth. Remaining in same grade for the $35,000 Rating 75 2100 metres, he enjoys weight relief to 59kg, brings great form, and is capable of a top three finish despite the wide alley (12). Fixed odds: $5.50 & $2.05. 

3:20 p.m. R6 6 Bella Voce (4 m Fastnet Rock – Keep On Singing) – Lily Sutherland (a); she ran on without threatening after getting back from a wide draw (10) when resuming in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 21 March at Pukekohe, and contests the $35,000 Rating 75 1200 metres. She recorded consecutive victories over 1200 metres to end her previous campaign in November, including a course/distance win here, and while undoubtedly talented, she will need luck from wide draw (10). Fixed odds: $26.00 & $6.50.

Pakenham:

Weather: fine, track: Soft6, rail: true. 

3:35 p.m. (NZ) ~ 1:35 p.m. (Vic) R3 4 Prismatic (6 g Savabeel – Kaleidoscope) – Dean Parker; he positioned second in the running and finished second in the Open Hurdle (3200m) on 28 March at Warrnambool, and contests the A$75,000 Ecycle Solutions M J Bourke Hurdle (3200m). He has fashioned a very good jumps’ record, with two wins and two seconds over 3200m, and has the ability and credentials to deliver a top three finish.  Fixed odds NZ TAB: $13.00 & $2.15.

4:15 p.m. (NZ) ~ 2:15 p.m. (Vic) R4 2 The Mighty Spar (7 g Savabeel – O’Dianne) – Steven Pateman; situated handily, got through to lead turning for home, and fought hard for close third in thrilling finish to the Open Steeplechase (3450m) on 28 March at Warrnambool. Contesting the $40,000 Ecycle Solutions Steeplechase (3200m), winner of three jumps races, including two steeplechases, versatile and rates a top three chance. Fixed odds NZ TAB: $3.30 & $1.14.

4:55 p.m. (NZ) ~ 2:55 p.m. (Vic) R5 1 Leaderboard (10 g Street Cry – Flower Fairy) – Will Gordon; comfortably won the Open Steeplechase 3250m last Sunday at Ballarat, with Gordon aboard, and contests the $75,000 J. E .H Spencer Memorial Steeplechase (4000m). Runner-up in the Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) here last August, before spelling, returned in terrific fettle and rates a top three chance. Fixed odds NZ TAB: $2.00 & $1.03.