Te Akau Trans Tasman Thursday Preview

Te Akau Racing has six horses entered on Thursday 8 January at Tauranga, New Zealand, and one horse entered at Sandown, Melbourne.

Tauranga:  

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

12:50 p.m. R1 14 Typhoon Lucy (3 f Dundeel – Stormy Lucy) – Joe Doyle; she received an economical trip and ran home solidly for fourth when debuting in the Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres on 11 December at Ellerslie, and contests the $25,000 Maiden 1600 metres. She staged a big finish down the outside for a close second in a trial on 14 November at Avondale, prior to racing, and she certainly brings the right form into this race to be a serious contender. Fixed odds: $3.20 & $1.55.

2:12 p.m. R3 4 Barnum (3 g Circus Maximus – Meir) – Rory Hutchings; he finished seventh after racing on pace when debuting in the Maiden 1200 metres on 11 December at Ellerslie, won by subsequent winner Miss Jones, and contests the $25,000 Maiden 3YO 1300 metres. Prior to racing, he fought back in gritty fashion to win a trial on 25 November at Taupo, and here he has the chance to improve on his debut effort. Fixed odds: $9.00 & $3.10.

2:47 p.m. R4 13 Pilates (3 f Savabeel – Splits) – Joe Doyle; when trialling on 9 December at Pukekohe, she steadied to last from the outside gate, improved at the 800m and tracked up nicely rounding the home turn. She then quickened to lead mid-straight and drew out on the bridle to win her heat stylishly. Debuting in the $25,000 Maiden 1200 metres, she is the sister to Te Akau trained stakes’ winner Scrutinize, with her grand-dam the illustrious dual Group One winner Legs (Pins), and she does look a top three chance from barrier four. Fixed odds: $2.20 & $1.25.

3:19 p.m. R5 4 When Stars Align (4 g Zoustar – Shenandoah) – Rory Hutchings; he led throughout when resuming with a victory in the Rating 65 1200 metres here on 15 November, and raced very well following economical trip for second (beaten only a nose) in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 13 December at Te Rapa. Contesting the $40,000 Rating 75 1200 metres, he is a course/distance winner at his only attempt on this track, and his recent performances bode well for him here - the first of two in the race for the stable. Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.65.

3:19 p.m. R5 9 Paravane (4 m Merchant Navy – In The Vanguard) – Hayley Hassman (a3); she recorded a stylish fresh-up victory in the Rating 65 1150 metres on 26 November at Te Aroha, also with Hassman aboard on that occasion, and likewise contests the Rating 75 1200 metres. She is the half-sister to Te Akau purchased and trained Group One winner, Champion Two-Year-Old, now exciting young sire Sword Of State (Snitzel) - she has the plus of weight relief to 52kg, has won two of  her four starts, and is poised to make an impression from barrier one. Fixed odds: $4.00 & $1.65.

3:53 p.m. R6 1 I Am Nutz (4 g I Am Invincible – Pecans) – Vinnie Colgan; he finished sixth after leading in the Rating 68 1400 metres on 26 November at Te Aroha, and contests the $40,000 Rating 65 1200 metres. He has twice won up to 1350 metres, is handily drawn (3), and he’s more than capable of proving competitive here. Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.30. 

Sandown:

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

8:30 p.m. (NZ) - 6:30 p.m. (Vic) R6 9 Tower Bridge (3 c I Am Invincible – Palace Talk) – Lachlan Neindorf; he recorded an impressive second start victory when quickening away to win by three and a half lengths in the Maiden 1230 metres on 12 December at Geelong, also with Neindorf aboard,. Contesting the A$55,000 0 – 66 Handicap 1200 metres, he is highly regarded colt who brings a reputation with him, is by the reigning Australian Champion Sire, and should make his presence felt in this field. NZ TAB fixed odds: $3.30 & 1.40. 

Main picture - Paravane winning