A genuine winter’s day expected for Te Rapa’s eight-race card, with the track sitting at a Heavy9 and unlikely to improve with no drying weather forecast.
The rail is out 10.5 metres, which may push riders wider as the day wears on, especially if the inside chops out early.
Expect conditions to remain testing throughout.
Track: Heavy9
Rail: Out 10.5m
Tips for each of the eight races below:
Sister Cynane (#6) went around a hot favourite last start but was plain after having every favour in the run. Blinkers come off, which may help her switch off early.
The 1200m on deep ground is a slight query, but if ridden quieter and allowed to chime in late, she’s good enough to bounce back.
Just needs to put it together.
2 Units Win – Sister Cynane (#6)
Honey Badger (#2) bolted in by over 8L on a bottomless track last start.
With only a small field, McNab can sum things up early and ride her how she jumps.
Hard to knock on what she showed last start, she’s clearly the one they all have to beat on a Heavy track here.
2 Units Win – Honey Badger (#2)
Cast Of Diamonds (#3) ranged up to win but was just bested in the shadows on testing track last start.
Maps to be ridden cold from the draw and look to build into the race late – as he did last start.
This is no harder and the heavy footing won’t worry him. Right sort of race to go one better.
1.5 Units Win – Cast Of Diamonds (#3)
Bradley (#1) surged home fresh-up at Matamata over 1400m and the step to the mile looks ideal second-up.
Kennedy goes aboard and he’s drawn to get back of midfield and be running on late again.
Conditions won’t pose an issue and he looks a good each way play in an open race.
1 Unit Each Way – Bradley (#1)
Blondie (#18) is also accepted at Wanganui, but if she lines up here she commands serious attention.
Ran on well after a slow start last time and handles heavy footing.
The wide draw likely won’t pose an issue come this point of the day either. Over the odds for mine if she was to get a run.
1 Unit Win – Blondie (#18)
Lux Libertas (#3) held her ground well behind Tomodachi last start, and that form reads well for this.
She’s drawn wide but likely goes back anyway.
A genuinely run race helps her cause, as does another Heavy track underfoot.
Looks well placed to bounce back in this.
1 Unit Win – Lux Libertas (#3)
Chante Moi (#3) dropped back from Group 3 WFA level where she was solid behind a smart one.
Now finds herself back in R75 company with a big class drop and maps to sit just off the leaders.
The only concern is if the track is very testing come this point of the day.
Clearly the horse to beat for mine.
3 Units Win – Chante Moi (#3)
Monday Melody (#2) continues to run honest races without converting.
Another game 2nd here last start and this race looks to setup similarly.
Should get back and wide again, which might be the right place to be by this stage of the day.
Not the strongest R65, looks like he gets his chance once more.
2 Units Win – Monday Melody (#2)
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