NZ - Ascot - Race 6

Thoroughbred

11 Runners

10.9f

OPEN

Turf

SOFT 5

28.9K

VIEW

Verdict

SACRED DREAM (5) trekked to Riccarton a month ago and did not round of her run as expected, but she was in the wrong part of the track that day, finishing ninth. She is much better placed here and can turn it around to win this race. Stick with her. SHORT (9) dropped down in class and got the job done here at BM75 level nearly 3 weeks ago. She has a terrific record on this track, and with a return to open-grade, she will carry the same weight. Go again. SMOOTH OPERATOR (6) was unsuited in a couple of stakes races at Riccarton, including his last run in the NZ Cup over 2 miles. Don't risk him back on this track over this trip. Can win. SESTINA (2) charged home through the ruck when finishing close up in third place at Cromwell last start. She is in a good space and saves her best for her home track here. Each way all day. CAPO DELL IMPERO (1) got too far back at Cromwell last time out on a day when they weren't running on. He will be peaking third up and is not out of this. Include.

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Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Returns from a 31-day let-up. Last start sat behind the speed prior to fading 9th of 12 at Riccarton Park on November 12 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 6 len behind Sunset Boulevard with 119lbs at $15.30. The start before that made significant ground from the rear of the field 2nd of 11 at Ashburton on October 31 over 1m, on a slow track, nose behind Queen Of Kings carrying 119lbs at $16.90. Finds a nice race this time and is expected to go very well. 1st Pick 5 Sacred Dream Jockey: Amber Riddell Trainer: Robert Dennis J: Amber Riddell T: Robert Dennis	75	-	-	-	10%	9/1
Analysis Returns from a 31-day let-up. Last start sat behind the speed prior to fading 9th of 12 at Riccarton Park on November 12 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 6 len behind Sunset Boulevard with 119lbs at $15.30. The start before that made significant ground from the rear of the field 2nd of 11 at Ashburton on October 31 over 1m, on a slow track, nose behind Queen Of Kings carrying 119lbs at $16.90. Finds a nice race this time and is expected to go very well.
9	Form hard to fault. Most recently raced right near the speed and boxed on, won by 1.0 len at this track November 23 over 1m on a soft track defeating A Mandarin carrying 120lbs at $4.50. The race before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 at Riverton on November 2 over 1 5/16m, in the wet, 9 len behind Prince Alby with 118lbs at $12.50. Huge chance on best form. 2nd Pick 9 Short Jockey: Kylie Williams Trainer: Anna Hewitson J: Kylie Williams T: Anna Hewitson	176	-	-	-	8%	12/1
Analysis Form hard to fault. Most recently raced right near the speed and boxed on, won by 1.0 len at this track November 23 over 1m on a soft track defeating A Mandarin carrying 120lbs at $4.50. The race before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 at Riverton on November 2 over 1 5/16m, in the wet, 9 len behind Prince Alby with 118lbs at $12.50. Huge chance on best form.
6	Most recently 13th of 18 at Riccarton Park in the G3 New Zealand Cup on November 15 over 2m, in the wet, 24 len behind Bozo carrying 119lbs at $64.20. Before that sat on the speed throughout before fading 10th of 13 at Riccarton Park in the LR Metropolitan Hcp on November 8 over 1m, 11 len behind Just Charlie with 126lbs at $16.10. Best form stacks up nicely so worth another chance. 3rd Pick 6 Smooth Operator Jockey: Rohan Mudhoo Trainer: Stephanie Faulkner J: Rohan Mudhoo T: Stephanie Faulkner	83	-	-	-	17%	5/1
Analysis Most recently 13th of 18 at Riccarton Park in the G3 New Zealand Cup on November 15 over 2m, in the wet, 24 len behind Bozo carrying 119lbs at $64.20. Before that sat on the speed throughout before fading 10th of 13 at Riccarton Park in the LR Metropolitan Hcp on November 8 over 1m, 11 len behind Just Charlie with 126lbs at $16.10. Best form stacks up nicely so worth another chance.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.

Apprentice

A new jockey who has not ridden a certain number of winners in a specified time period.

Bobble/Stumble

A slip or a duck from a horse trying to leave the starting gates, often caused by the surface giving way under the feet. This can range from a mild misstep to a stumble down to their knees.