Matamata stages an eight-race card this Saturday. Significant showers are forecast and a downgrade deep into the Heavy range by raceday looks likely, which will make wet-track ability an important factor throughout.
Track: Soft7 (likely Heavy range raceday)
Rail: True
Selections for each of the eight races below:
Smart Tip (#5) was an eye catcher last start, where she was seen surging to the line late. She backs up quickly from Wednesday, so arrives rock hard fit, and the prospect of a Heavy track will not hinder her chances. Expecting her to be running another honest race under the lightweight.
| 5. Smart Tip (4) J: Ashlee Strawbridge 56.5kg 77223T: Stephen Ralph |
Judicial (#3) resumes after two solid runs to kick off his career in NZ. He has trialled nicely in preparation and looks well suited with Sam McNab’s 3kg claim given the expected conditions. Although a very Heavy track is a query, he can push forward and give a bold sight fresh.
| 3. Judicial (2) Scratched: | |||
Sweet But Psycho (#6) ran well for 4th at Ellerslie last start and now finds a very winnable race here. Warren Kennedy stays on and, from a wide draw, she will likely get back and look to finish strongly over the top late.
| 6. Sweet But Psycho (9) J: Warren Kennedy 58kg X4024T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott |
Diamond Jak (#2) is a proven wet tracker who won well last start on a firmer surface. He now gains Opie Bosson and looks ideally suited if the rain arrives. Expect him to position midfield with cover and finish strongly late.
| 2. Diamond Jak (3) J: Opie Bosson 58kg 31551T: Mark Brosnan |
Afterglo (#10) didn’t have all favours in the home running first-up at Ellerslie and now gets back to her home track second-up. Opie Bosson taking the ride is a key positive, and she is unlikely to be concerned by rain-affected ground. If the track deteriorates, her wide draw could also be advantageous late in the day.
| 10. Afterglo (5) J: Opie Bosson 56kg 364X0T: Stephen Autridge |
Sicillian (#11) resumes off a couple of quiet trials, having last been seen in Gr.3 company behind Leica Lucy back in December 2024. Corentin Berge, who rode her in her latest trial, takes his first raceday ride here in NZ. She can run a cheeky race fresh at odds.
| 11. Sicillian (2) J: Corentin Berge 57kg 4109XT: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott |
Sassy Lass (#9) looked to travel well before being a touch flat-footed when the sprint went on first-up. She will have derived plenty of benefit from that runbelt and won’t be worried by a Heavy surface. Expect her to get back and be running on strongly late.
| 9. Sassy Lass (8) J: Warren Kennedy 53kg 406X7T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott |
Loch Katrine (#13) is a capable wet tracker who may get ideal conditions late in the day. She was very plain on better footing at Ellerslie but had trialled well beforehand. An improved showing is on the cards if the rain arrives and the surface deteriorates.
| 13. Loch Katrine (1) J: George Rooke 54.5kg 03250T: Stephen Autridge |