NZ - Ashburton - Race 8

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

GOOD 4

10.9K

VIEW

Verdict

COOL 'N' FAST (5) was above himself in condition here last time out but still managed to win by a neck as a loose favourite. He is ready for the next grade, and with a kg less to carry, he is good enough to take the next step immediately. MISS EMERALD (6) has held her form strongly over the summer and has been helped by striking a few wet tracks. She has not had much luck with her barrier draws, and even from a slightly tricky gate here, she is good enough to take this out. SAKO (3) may have needed his last run here, which was his first in the South Island, and he should be a lot sharper this time. A 7lbs claim will help, and he can have a big say in the outcome of this race. Each way value. POGACAR (7) has a few tricks in the locker, and if he enters the stalls, then he is always an each-way chance. SUPER ROSA (8) was last at her most recent run at Riccarton, but was not too far off the money that day. Bruno Queiroz replacing an apprentice is a positive change, so stick with her.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
5	Racing well recently. Last start favourite, won by a 0.4 len at this track February 20 over 7f on a rain affected track defeating Nuncio carrying 127lbs at $5. Before that 4th of 13 at Riccarton Park on January 24 over 7f, on heavy track, 2.25 len behind Miss Emerald with 131lbs at $3.60. Draws a nice barrier and will be very competitive again. 1st Pick 5 Cool 'n' Fast Jockey: Triston Moodley Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Triston Moodley T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	114	-	-	-	39%
Analysis Racing well recently. Last start favourite, won by a 0.4 len at this track February 20 over 7f on a rain affected track defeating Nuncio carrying 127lbs at $5. Before that 4th of 13 at Riccarton Park on January 24 over 7f, on heavy track, 2.25 len behind Miss Emerald with 131lbs at $3.60. Draws a nice barrier and will be very competitive again.
6	Racing well recently. Returns from a 36-day let-up. At the latest run tried to lead throughout but was claimed late 2nd of 8 at Riccarton Park on February 4 over 7f, slow going head behind Contemplation Bay with 120lbs at $3.80. The start before that won by 0.7 len at Riccarton Park January 24 over 7f on a heavy track defeating Pure Artist with 126lbs at $5.80. Will take plenty of beating. 2nd Pick 6 Miss Emerald Jockey: Donovan Cooper Trainer: Lance Robinson J: Donovan Cooper T: Lance Robinson	112	-	-	-	9%
Analysis Racing well recently. Returns from a 36-day let-up. At the latest run tried to lead throughout but was claimed late 2nd of 8 at Riccarton Park on February 4 over 7f, slow going head behind Contemplation Bay with 120lbs at $3.80. The start before that won by 0.7 len at Riccarton Park January 24 over 7f on a heavy track defeating Pure Artist with 126lbs at $5.80. Will take plenty of beating.
3	Last start 7th of 11 at this track on February 20 over 6f, on a slow track, 7 len behind Pizarro carrying 129lbs at $4.80. The race before that held ground to the line 2nd of 9 at Tauherenikau on February 6 over 6 ½f, on a slow track, 0.2 len behind Gohugo with 127lbs at $6.30. Better than recent efforts suggest, major player. 3rd Pick 3 Sako Jockey: Jack Taplin Trainer: Stephen Marsh J: Jack Taplin T: Stephen Marsh	147	-	-	-	17%
Analysis Last start 7th of 11 at this track on February 20 over 6f, on a slow track, 7 len behind Pizarro carrying 129lbs at $4.80. The race before that held ground to the line 2nd of 9 at Tauherenikau on February 6 over 6 ½f, on a slow track, 0.2 len behind Gohugo with 127lbs at $6.30. Better than recent efforts suggest, major player.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Sloppy

A wet racetrack condition, typically with a firm base and water settling on top.

Firm

A dry turf course, equal to a ‘fast’ dirt track.

Starter Race

An allowance race restricted to horses who have started for a certain claiming price recently.