Te Rapa stages a ten-race card this Saturday, with the track rated a Heavy10 following persistent rain in the Waikato this week.
Conditions are unlikely to improve, and it’s expected to become a seriously testing surface later in the day.
Track: Heavy10
Rail: True
Selections for each of the 10 races out of Te Rapa below:
Sonofabutcher (#7) makes his hurdling debut here.
Comes in off a recent flat run earlier this week on a very testing New Plymouth track and had previously won a hurdle trial by 3L.
A race of many unknowns, but leaning his way to make a winning start over the jumps.
1 Unit Win – Sonofabutcher (#7)
Invisible Spirit (#7) finished fourth behind Taika and Dictation here last start, travelling into the race well before doing a few things wrong in the straight.
Will take good improvement from that and looks well placed on the minimum weight.
Can run a bold race in a strong edition of the Waikato Hurdle.
1 Unit Win – Invisible Spirit (#7)
Twain (#3) resumed with a tradesmanlike win at Te Aroha on a Heavy track, sitting outside the leader and proving too tough in the run home.
Will strip fitter and maps to follow Shoes in transit.
With even luck, looks the winner again, wouldn’t be surprised to see him start shorter.
3 Units Win – Twain (#3)
Ascension (#8) charged home late here two weeks ago over 1200m on a Heavy10.
Now second-up and stepping to 1400m with McNab sticking, she looks perfectly set up for this.
Hard to beat with a similar run.
2 Units Win – Ascension (#8)
Tricky maiden steeplechase, but siding with Countryman (#4) who has jumped well in recent hurdle runs and should relish the step up in trip and the bigger fences.
In a race where many have struggled with their jumping, he gets his chance to break through.
1 Unit Win – Countryman (#4)
The Cossack (#1) is a champion jumper back over the fences after two tune-ups on the flat.
Although beaten a fair way last time, his work through the line was encouraging.
Concedes 7kg to Nedwin and Leitrim Lad but his class counts for plenty.
Looking to win this race for the second year running.
2 Units Win – The Cossack (#1)
Prepared to give Cast Of Diamonds (#6) another shot after last start, where they crawled early and sprinted home, giving no chance to backmarkers.
Maps to settle back again but there looks more speed here, which should suit.
Can bounce back with the right race shape.
1 Unit Win – Cast Of Diamonds (#6)
Ziggy Stardust (#8) is racing in great form this prep. Broke maiden status here two back and was strong again when second to Acapelago last start in decent 3yo company.
Drawn wide but that might be a positive by this stage of the day on a tired Heavy10.
McNab rides, can win.
1 Unit Win – Ziggy Stardust (#8)
Forgiving Knights Realm’s (#5) last-start fifth after missing away and settling too far back.
Blinkers went on for the first time there and come off again now.
Back up to the mile and drawn well, he maps to lead and dictate with Sam Collett on.
If he gets control, he’ll take serious catching.
3 Units Win – Knights Realm (#5)
Loch Katrine (#14) offered nothing fresh at Ellerslie but has since trialled well on a Heavy10.
Should appreciate a seriously testing surface late in the day.
Drops to 54.5kg with Ace Lawson-Carroll’s claim.
Don’t rule her out at odds, she can improve sharply.
1 Unit Each Way – Loch Katrine (#14)