NZ - Awapuni - Race 1

Thoroughbred

6 Runners

6.5f

Maiden

Synthetic

9.8K

VIEW

Verdict

KODIAC BEAR (1) continues to knock on the door this prep with a strong runner-up finish over 6f at this track a fortnight ago. He is peaking at the right time, and from another favourable draw, he looks all set to go one better. DAIWA EXPLORER (2) can be forgiven for his latest effort at Waverley, where little went to plan on a track that was quite holding. He can settle a lot closer this time from the pole position, and with Bruno Queiroz back from holiday, he can figure in the top 3 here. LEICA ACE (3) made an encouraging return when finishing third at Hawera in her first start from the in-form Fannin stable, and she is expected to take another step forward second-up. She looks a genuine winning chance. JUSTIFY THAT (4) also resumed with a solid placing at this track 2 weeks ago, and she will strip fitter for the outing, making her worth including in all top 4 combos again. PISTACHIO (5) resumes from a spell and is not out of this. Don't risk her.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
1	Form hard to fault. At the latest run 2nd of 7 at this track on July 17 over 6f, 6 len behind Bee Precious carrying 127lbs at $7.40. The race before that came from midfield, 2nd of 7 at this track on June 21 over 6 ½f, 0.5 len behind It's Amelia carrying 125lbs at $6.80. Continues to impress and gets his chance to break through. 1st Pick 1 Kodiac Bear Jockey: Toni Davies Trainer: Kevin & Stephen Gray J: Toni Davies T: Kevin & Stephen Gray	103	-	-	-	34%
Analysis Form hard to fault. At the latest run 2nd of 7 at this track on July 17 over 6f, 6 len behind Bee Precious carrying 127lbs at $7.40. The race before that came from midfield, 2nd of 7 at this track on June 21 over 6 ½f, 0.5 len behind It's Amelia carrying 125lbs at $6.80. Continues to impress and gets his chance to break through.
2	Last start ran last of 9 at Waverley on July 4 over 7f, on a slow track, 16 len behind Guzzler with 129lbs at $6.50. The race before that 9th of 12 at Wanganui on May 30 over 6 ¾f, on a slow track, 9 len behind Sworn carrying 129lbs at $13.40. Great chance to atone. 2nd Pick 2 Daiwa Explorer Jockey: Bruno Queiroz Trainer: Kevin & Stephen Gray J: Bruno Queiroz T: Kevin & Stephen Gray	108	-	-	-	46%
Analysis Last start ran last of 9 at Waverley on July 4 over 7f, on a slow track, 16 len behind Guzzler with 129lbs at $6.50. The race before that 9th of 12 at Wanganui on May 30 over 6 ¾f, on a slow track, 9 len behind Sworn carrying 129lbs at $13.40. Great chance to atone.
3	Second run back. First-up after nearly two years 3rd of 7 at Hawera on July 11 over 6f, on a wet track, 4 len behind Ebony Bassett carrying 125lbs at $3.20. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 at Woodville on September 29 2024 over 7f, on a wet track, 1.0 len behind Five Bells with 125lbs at $1.40. Back in good shape and is worth including. 3rd Pick 3 Leica Ace Jockey: Chris Dell Trainer: Shaun Fannin & Hazel Fannin J: Chris Dell T: Shaun Fannin & Hazel Fannin	202	-	-	-	23%
Analysis Second run back. First-up after nearly two years 3rd of 7 at Hawera on July 11 over 6f, on a wet track, 4 len behind Ebony Bassett carrying 125lbs at $3.20. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 at Woodville on September 29 2024 over 7f, on a wet track, 1.0 len behind Five Bells with 125lbs at $1.40. Back in good shape and is worth including.

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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.

Morning Line

An approximation of expected odds in a race, quoted before actual odds are determined.

Filly

A female horse that is four years of age or under.