Hāwera hosts an eight-race card this Saturday, with the track rated a Heavy10 and the rail in the true position. Another testing winter surface is expected, with riders likely to shift wider as the day wears on in search of better ground.
Track: Heavy10
Rail: True
Selections for each of the eight races below:
Yellow Jersey (#6) makes his jumps debut for Jo Rathbone after two moderate flat runs this prep. He had a hurdling trial earlier in the campaign under Hamish McNeil, who retains the ride here. A handy enough stayer on the flat when right, he looks capable of asserting himself in this field.
Brucie (#1) was travelling well before falling late in the piece last weekend. He’s obviously bounced through that run well given he lines up only six days later. He now gets Portia Matthews in the saddle, which is a positive booking. Capable of bouncing back.
Jelly Roll (#4) may have found the Heavy8 a touch too firm last start, but he looks better suited getting back onto a testing Heavy10. With Pleasing likely to roll along in front despite being a small field, Jelly Roll should get his chance to finish over the top late.
Time After Time (#7) resumes as a five-year-old, having been unplaced at her sole start last season on a Good4. Her recent trial on heavy ground was excellent, providing a strong lead for this. With just 53.5kg on her back after the claim, she can produce a bold run fresh.
Blue Rata Warea (#2) has produced reasonable efforts in his last two runs on testing tracks and now drops into R60 company. From a low draw with Bruno Queiroz aboard, he should get every chance in transit. Looks to have found the right race to find winning form.
Ready Response (#3) was good on debut here when running into third, not having all favours. He should strip fitter for that outing and gains Bruno Queiroz in the saddle. From a handy draw, natural improvement should see him right in the finish here.
Tor Ment Tor (#2) had no luck when finishing eighth last start, effectively going to the line untested in R65 grade. His prior MAAT form reads strongly for this and another heavy surface shouldn’t hinder. With even luck, he looks ready to break through.
Morning Cocoa (#6) left her run too late last start at Rotorua, charging home into second. While untested on a true Heavy10, she has handled other Heavy8/Heavy9 surfaces well enough previously. With 53.5kg on her back after Rihaan Goyaram’s claim, she looks set to get her chance again to finish the day strongly.