Te Rapa hosts an eight-race program this Saturday. The track is currently rated a Heavy10 with the rail out 1m. With drying conditions forecast in the lead-up, there’s a chance it may improve to a Heavy9 by raceday.
Track: Heavy10 (possible Heavy9)
Rail: Out 1m
Tips for each of the eight races below:
Quantum Legend (#5) is a son of Castelvecchio on debut for Tony Pike. His most recent trial win here at Te Rapa was very sharp, quickening strongly under little pressure from Michael McNab. The wide draw is a small obstacle, but with McNab in the saddle he looks the one they’ll all have to beat on debut.
Charlemagne (#3) ran a strong fourth here last start, working into the finish despite hitting a flat spot turning for home. The booking of Matt Cameron is a positive, and from the wide draw he may be put into the race early again. In a very even contest, he appeals as one who can feature prominently.
Diamond Jak (#3) has turned a corner since a short freshen and hurdling trial in June and was impressive winning last start. He handles testing ground well and another Heavy track at Te Rapa plays to his strengths. Hard to knock his recent form and he looks capable of scoring again.
Playinasandpit (#16) did everything but win here last start when making a long sustained run from the back. While she is a maiden taking on race winners, it shapes as an even R65 field and she looks a strong contender with even luck from her wide gate.
Lotus (#5) has been racing consistently and looks well placed dropping slightly back to 1500m. She maps to stalk likely leader Elle McFab, which should give her the right run throughout off an even-genuine tempo. In an even field, Lotus is the one to beat for mine.
Mo Charaid (#8) ended his last prep with a tough win on a Heavy10 at Pukekohe. He resumes here from a wide draw, which may not be a disadvantage later in the day. With Matt Cameron aboard, expect him to settle back and look to be going through his gears late.
Mali Ston (#3) ran second in this race last year in a stronger field than what he meets this year. He maps to settle off a genuine tempo from his wide draw and should be blending into the finish late under Michael McNab. At the current odds, he looks a strong each way chance.
Asgard (#1) was a first-up winner here last year in similar conditions. His recent trials suggest he’s forward enough to run well again fresh. Joe Doyle rides from a handy draw, and he should get every chance to be competitive in a wide-open race to finish the day.