Te Akau TV - Weekend Preview

Welcome to this week’s Te Akau TV for our weekend preview as we look ahead to a massive few days of racing across New Zealand and Australia with runners at Arawa Park, Riccarton Synthetic, Cranbourne, Pukekohe, Trentham, Werribee, Stony Creek, Ballarat and Te Aroha. The summer momentum is building, and we are thrilled to have a strong team set to fire across both Islands and in Victoria.

This week we catch up with NZ assistant trainer Reece Trumper and our special guest is David Ellis CNZM who has been at the Matamata stable in the last 24 hours - he is touching base on a few of our yearlings that have shares available just in time for the perfect Christmas gift - today we catch up with two Proisir fillies: Object Of Desire and Nonchalance. Click here to learn more about these girls.

Our weekend kicks off with action in the North and South Islands! At Arawa Park in Rotorua, Bellish Boy lines up in Race 1 (1230m). This three-year-old gelding continues to improve and, while the wide draw (11) is tricky, he is working the right way and will be competitive with luck for Rory Hutchings. The genuine stayer War Of Succession is seeking ground in Race 7 (1950m). He thrives over this journey, is fit, and ready to tackle the distance with the valuable apprentice claim brought by our own Hayley Hassman, despite another wide barrier (15).

It’s a busy day down south at Riccarton Park Synthetic with a talented team set to run, including five runners partnered by Bruno Queiroz! In Race 1 (2100m), Shockabella has an ideal barrier (1) as she steps up in trip. She is very consistent and presents as a big chance with Courtney Barnes aboard. Elegant Lady is back to her preferred distance in Race 2 (2100m) and we expect her to be strong late from gate 4. The speedy filly Hello Bess (Race 3, 1200m) has natural gate speed from draw 2 and should put herself right in the race for her debut. High Roller (Race 4, 1600m) is an improving type who should be suited by the mile. Queen Of Naples (Race 5, 1400m) is a classy mare who returns to a favourable trip. Her synthetic form is strong, making her one to watch. Corps D’elite (Race 6, 1400m) is an honest mare who always tries hard, so expect another bold showing from barrier 6. Cognoscenti (Race 7, 1600m) is racing consistently and looking for the mile. Finally, Rule Of Law (Race 8, 1200m) has a good draw (2), returns to 1200m, and is ready to run well fresh.

On Friday night, Te Akau races 'at home' at Cranbourne with five runners engaged ... two to be ridden by Beau Mertens who scored yesterday at Geelong on our impressive 2YO Golden Pulse in the famous Yu Long colours - he's a half brother to our own Champion 2YO La Dorada, from a family we know very well, so it's great to see this pedigree continuing to deliver results. We were actually lucky to see him in the winner's circle as two races later, the meeting was abandoned due to high winds.

Saturday in New Zealand features a strong team at Pukekohe, complemented by one Trentham runner. At Pukekohe, Sibling Rivalry (Race 2, 1200m) has a lovely draw (3) and is racing well – she looks a big chance with Wiremu Pinn. Altari (Race 4, 1500m) has the perfect gate (1) and is improving with each start. In Race 8 (1400m), Kabugee is classy on his day, he's won five but will need luck from the wide draw (12) for Hayley Hassman. Heading to the Hutt Valley for Trentham - in Race 9, the speedy Malmaison (1200m) will be looking to be on his best behaviour from gate 10 for Opie!

Also on Saturday, Ballarat in Victoria sees Bright Stripes second up this prep, the former European looking to make his mark now he has fully acclimatised.

Sunday rounds out the weekend at Te Aroha, with a focus on our exciting two-year-old prospects! Race 1 (1150m) features two nice juveniles: Lara Antipova (Craig Grylls) is a professional two-year-old with early talent, and Miss Perna (Masa Hashizume) is another nice filly, with both juveniles drawing well in the compact field. The improving filly Stella Ma Bella looks for 1400m in Race 3 (Craig Grylls), while Perlino shows good action and is ready to improve second-up in Race 4. Two promising horses take their place in Race 5 - Cease And Desist is a lovely colt with a bright future (the half brother to Move To Strike), while Drops Of God is a speedy filly who is a big chance from barrier two. Fury Of Flight (Race 6, 1150m) is a real professional and should be competitive with Opie Bosson.

That wraps up a huge three days for Te Akau Racing. It’s shaping as another busy weekend for team Te Akau trans-Tasman. Best of luck to all our owners, riders and supporters. Make sure you follow our socials for updates throughout the weekend. GO THE TANGERINE!