Te Rapa stages a strong nine-race card this Saturday, headlined by the Gr.2 Travis Stakes and the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes.
While the weather is clear leading into the meeting, showers on raceday may undo any drying that takes place.
Track: Soft6
Rail: Out 3m
Tips for each of the nine races out of Te Rapa below:
Tough staying performance last start when clearing out to score with ease. The blinkers have really sharpened him up, winning both runs since they were applied. Steps to 2400m, which won’t worry him, and draws to lead again. Will take a stack of catching again here.
Best bet.
4 Units Rainbow Delight (3)
Over-raced in front last start with the blinkers on and was clawed back late. The blinkers now comes off and from a soft draw, I’m expecting a colder ride early. Has more than enough ability to be winning this and really should get every chance to get the maiden off the back here.
2 Units Wind Rush (5)
Strong late last start over 1500m at Ellerslie and now returns to the mile, where he was a dominant winner two back at this circuit. Should he jump evenly, he maps to settle a touch closer from the low draw this time. Will be finishing hard at the end again.
1 Unit Peerless (8)
2yo by Almanzor who comes into this off two smart trial wins. Drawn low with Matt Cartwright to ride and maps to settle handy to the speed. Expecting him to make a strong debut.
1 Unit Argo (3)
Progressive sort who impressed last star. Steps up in class but drops in weight and gets Michael McNab on, which is a big plus. Drawn to settle midfield with cover, where he should be afforded every chance again. Can measure up in this grade.
1 Unit First Five (8)
Was caught wide in a high-pressure NZB Kiwi but stuck on well considering the run. Freshened and back to 1200m, which looks ideal. Drawn low and retains McNab. Expect her to be surging home late in what looks to be a strongly run 1200m contest.
1 Unit Ardalio (8)
Resumes here and looked good in a recent trial when doing it comfortably under a hold. Gets in light with Rihaan Goyaram’s 3kg claim and is drawn to be handy throughout. Expecting a bold fresh run in what looks a suitable starting point.
1 Unit Billy Lincoln (7)
Lost no admirers when running 4th last start, after two sharp wins prior. Drawn to settle off a good speed and will be finishing off well. Looks to be one who has been unfairly dropped by the market in a deep field and presents as one of the better each-way plays on the card.
0.5 Units each way Our Jumala (4)
Resumes without a public trial, which is standard for the stable. Showed promise last prep but was thrown in deep at the end of the campaign against some smart 3yo’s. Gets McNab aboard for the return and maps for a soft run. More than capable of running a bold race fresh.
1 Unit Levakia (11)