NZ - Ashburton - Race 5

Thoroughbred

18 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

GOOD 4

10.9K

VIEW

Verdict

BOSS 'N' HIGHHEELS (6) needed her first run in the South Island when finishing a disappointing eighth as a warm favourite here nearly 3 weeks ago, following on from an impressive Timaru trial win before that. She cops a wide gate, but will find this easier, and she is worth another chance. DISCRETION RULES (1) resumed with a fair effort at TAuherenikau nearly 5 weeks ago, and is returning to the Walker/Bergerson yard in the South Island. He has a handy gate, and Bruno Queiroz replaces an apprentice, so stick with him on an each-way basis, especially on a wet track. HOLDEM (7) was a quick improver when finishing third at Riccarton and has been given more than 8 weeks to get over that effort. If not in need of the run, he can figure in the top 4 again. DRAGON BISCUIT (2) has been thereabouts off some tough draws this season, and with the aid of a 7lbs claim, he is worth including in all combos. LEINSTER (11) is much better than his for reads. Don't drop him yet. Each way value.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
6	Second-up today. Last run 8th of 11 at this track on February 20 over 6f, on a slow track, 8 len behind Pizarro with 119lbs at $2.80. At only start last preparation 9th of 13 at Tauranga on November 15 over 6f, slow going 6 len behind Charmrose carrying 120lbs at $15.30. Expect a far better result this time. 1st Pick 6 Boss 'n' Highheels Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Terri Rae J: Non Runner T: Terri Rae	115	-	-	-	1%	Scratched
Analysis Second-up today. Last run 8th of 11 at this track on February 20 over 6f, on a slow track, 8 len behind Pizarro with 119lbs at $2.80. At only start last preparation 9th of 13 at Tauranga on November 15 over 6f, slow going 6 len behind Charmrose carrying 120lbs at $15.30. Expect a far better result this time.
1	Second-up. First-up after 10 months eased back early on 6th of 8 at Tauherenikau on February 6 over 5f, slow going 4.5 len behind Finest Hour with 129lbs at $9.20. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 at Wingatui on January 18 2025 over 6f, 2.25 len behind Show Pony with 128lbs at $2.90. Winning claims if anywhere near his best. 2nd Pick 1 Discretion Rules Jockey: Bruno Queiroz Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Bruno Queiroz T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	116	-	-	-	17%
Analysis Second-up. First-up after 10 months eased back early on 6th of 8 at Tauherenikau on February 6 over 5f, slow going 4.5 len behind Finest Hour with 129lbs at $9.20. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 at Wingatui on January 18 2025 over 6f, 2.25 len behind Show Pony with 128lbs at $2.90. Winning claims if anywhere near his best.
7	Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Freshened for 57 days. First-up second last of 10 at Phar Lap Racecourse on December 28 over 6f, slow going 4.5 len behind Second Chance with 119lbs at $9.10. Second run from a spell 3rd of 14 at Riccarton Park on January 14 over 6f, on a slow track, 2.25 len behind Pizarro carrying 126lbs at $8. Fitter now and making headway. Sure to prove tough to beat. 3rd Pick 7 Holdem Jockey: Amber Riddell Trainer: Meg Cunneen J: Amber Riddell T: Meg Cunneen	65	-	-	-	15%
Analysis Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Freshened for 57 days. First-up second last of 10 at Phar Lap Racecourse on December 28 over 6f, slow going 4.5 len behind Second Chance with 119lbs at $9.10. Second run from a spell 3rd of 14 at Riccarton Park on January 14 over 6f, on a slow track, 2.25 len behind Pizarro carrying 126lbs at $8. Fitter now and making headway. Sure to prove tough to beat.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Dead Heat

Two or more horses finishing so close at the wire, that they were unable to be separated on a photo finish and deemed to have tied.

Bullet

A bullet, or bullet workout, is a workout that was clocked as the best time for a certain distance on a given day.

Bolt

A sudden veering to the inside or outside rail, often caused by the horse spooking or shying from something.