NZ - Ellerslie - Race 7

Thoroughbred

17 Runners

10.9f

OPEN

Turf

SOFT 5

39.2K

VIEW

Verdict

TISSE (5) was a touch disappointing as a short-priced favourite here a month ago in the G3 QEII Cup over 1 ½m. He was in top form before that, and on a firmer surface, he can bounce straight back into the money. Follow your money. THE UNDERBELLY (6) made an encouraging debut from the Cody Cole stable when finishing third at Tauranga over 7 ½f. He will relish getting straight out to a middle distance, and he will be spot-on with his fitness now. Opie Bosson steps into the irons, and the pair merits healthy respect. KIWI SKYHAWK (11) needed racing, and made a welcome return to the winners' circle when bolting in by over 3 lengths at Tauranga last start. He has won here in the past, and he should be hard to hold out again, despite the rise in class. FINAL RETURN (4) battled on well enough in the QEII Cup last time out, and he was a G3 winner at Counties before that. Stick with him on an each-way basis. SASSY LASS (12) is better than her form suggests, so don't risk her. Each way.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Returns from a 30-day let-up. At the latest run eased back early on 6th of 10 at this track in the G3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (City Of Auckland) on January 1 over 1 ½m, slow going 3.5 len behind Santa Catalina with 117lbs at $2.40. The start before that favourite, won by 2.25 len at Trentham December 14 over 1 5/16m defeating Opawa Jack with 123lbs at $1.70. Winning hope. 1st Pick 5 Tisse Jockey: Rory Hutchings Trainer: Allan Sharrock J: Rory Hutchings T: Allan Sharrock	101	-	-	-	17%	5/1
Analysis Returns from a 30-day let-up. At the latest run eased back early on 6th of 10 at this track in the G3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (City Of Auckland) on January 1 over 1 ½m, slow going 3.5 len behind Santa Catalina with 117lbs at $2.40. The start before that favourite, won by 2.25 len at Trentham December 14 over 1 5/16m defeating Opawa Jack with 123lbs at $1.70. Winning hope.
6	Second run back. First-up after a year sat on speed throughout when 3rd of 7 at Tauranga on January 8 over 7 ½f, slow going 1.3 len behind Super Photon with 132lbs at $17. Previously second-up 4th of 11 at Wanganui in the LR Wanganui Cup on November 30 2024 over 1 ¼m, 1.3 len behind Whangaehu carrying 117lbs at $5.30. Fitter and worth following up. 2nd Pick 6 The Underbelly Jockey: Opie Bosson Trainer: Cody Cole J: Opie Bosson T: Cody Cole	112	-	-	-	15%	6/1
Analysis Second run back. First-up after a year sat on speed throughout when 3rd of 7 at Tauranga on January 8 over 7 ½f, slow going 1.3 len behind Super Photon with 132lbs at $17. Previously second-up 4th of 11 at Wanganui in the LR Wanganui Cup on November 30 2024 over 1 ¼m, 1.3 len behind Whangaehu carrying 117lbs at $5.30. Fitter and worth following up.
11	Recent form sound. At the latest run favourite, ran on from midfield and won by 3.5 len at Tauranga January 8 over 1 5/16m on a soft track defeating Doddle carrying 122lbs at $1.80. Before that 4th of 13 at Taupo on December 28 over 1 ¼m, slow going 4 len behind What You Wish For with 119lbs at $4. Big chance again. 3rd Pick 11 Kiwi Skyhawk Jockey: Warren Kennedy Trainer: Stephen Marsh J: Warren Kennedy T: Stephen Marsh	113	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis Recent form sound. At the latest run favourite, ran on from midfield and won by 3.5 len at Tauranga January 8 over 1 5/16m on a soft track defeating Doddle carrying 122lbs at $1.80. Before that 4th of 13 at Taupo on December 28 over 1 ¼m, slow going 4 len behind What You Wish For with 119lbs at $4. Big chance again.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Condition Book

A list of upcoming races issued by the racing secretary, where the conditions of races to be run over the next few weeks are written.

Apprentice

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

State-Bred

A horse bred in a particular state and thus eligible to race in restricted state-bred races. These can be anything from maiden races to stakes events.