Te Akau Wanganui Monday Preview

Te Akau Racing has four horses entered on Monday 19 January at Wanganui. 

Wanganui:  

Weather: overcast, track: Heavy8, rail: true. No rain forecast.

12:41 p.m. R1 12 Passion ‘N’ Pride (3 f Darci Brahma – Sweet Hunter) – Craig Grylls; she was unable to quicken after racing handily on debut in the Maiden 1400 metres on 27 December at New Plymouth, and contests the $18,500 Maiden 1600 metres. Her dam, Sweet Hunter (Swiss Ace), won twice over 1400 metres, she has the advantage of the ace draw if she can handle the track conditions, she will be looking to improve second time to the races. Fixed odds: $7.50 & $2.40.

1:15 p.m. R2 12 Dujardin (3 f Hello Youmzain – Equestrienne) – Craig Grylls; she produced a smart trial win on 9 December at Pukekohe, but was unable to replicate that effort when resuming with a seventh placing in the Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres on 27 December at New Plymouth. She had established good record before that, is from a gifted family, and the resuming run was something of a head scratcher. If she can handle the going, look to see an improved performance in the $18,500 Maiden 1600 metres. Fixed odds: $3.50 & $1.60.

3:00 p.m. R5 15 Quenza (3 f Almanzor – Bavella) – Hayley Hassman (a3); she found the line near the rail without threatening on debut in the Maiden 1200 metres on 2 January at Tauranga, and contests the $18,500 Maiden 3YO 1340 metres. Before racing, she sustained a strong finish for second in a trial on 25 November at Taupo, also with Hassman aboard, so we know the ability is there. With the apprentice back on board, she enjoys weight relief to 52.5kg, and finds the ideal opportunity to show further improvement. Fixed odds: $10.00 & $3.10.

3:38 p.m. R6 11 Bolli Belle (3 f Shamus Award – Fille Champagne) – Hayley Hassman (a3); she was steadied to last from an outside gate, about six lengths off the leaders at the 600m, needed to travel across heels at the 350m, and ran home well for fourth in a trial on 9 December at Pukekohe. Debuting in the $18,500 Maiden 1340 metres, our stable apprentice provides weight relief to 52kg,  and despite some concern with the prevailing track conditions, it is good to get her career underway. Fixed odds: $6.50 & $1.95.