NZ - Hastings - Race 8

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

OPEN

Turf

HEAVY 9

38.0K

VIEW

Verdict

CHECKMATE (7) tackled some strong fields in all 4 starts last prep, and was good enough to finish runner-up in the G2 Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie. He usually takes a run to hit his straps, but has trialled up well, and he can give this a big shake. NAVIGATOR (1) is a handy sprinter at this level, and he usually comes to hand quickly. A good draw will aid his chances, and he is also unbeaten in 2 runs on this track. Respect him for all combos. AFTERNOON SIESTA (3) is a lightly tried 7YO mare who won the Cuddle Stakes at Trentham at only her sixth career start. The sting out of the ground will suit her, and she is also right in this with a big winning chance. AMAZING SON (13) has progressed quickly through the grades, and he will have a fitness edge over his rivals. He should again be competitive as he is so tough. ROMANOFF (9) is a G1 winning 3YO who is resuming from a spell. He has win the latest of a couple of tune-up trials, and he cannot be taken lightly, despite the wide draw.

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Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
7	Is first-up after a break of six-and-a-half months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last preparation fourth of 9 at Matamata February 28 over 1m, soft track, 9 len behind Leroy Brown carrying 125lbs at $3.10. Previously first up, 12th of 16 at Te Rapa in the G3 J Swap Sprint December 13 over 7f, 7 len behind First Five with 117lbs at $8.40. This is an ideal race to kick off. Everything points to a bright return. 1st Pick 7 Checkmate Jockey: Warren Kennedy Trainer: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Warren Kennedy T: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott	72	-	-	-	17%	5/1
Analysis Is first-up after a break of six-and-a-half months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last preparation fourth of 9 at Matamata February 28 over 1m, soft track, 9 len behind Leroy Brown carrying 125lbs at $3.10. Previously first up, 12th of 16 at Te Rapa in the G3 J Swap Sprint December 13 over 7f, 7 len behind First Five with 117lbs at $8.40. This is an ideal race to kick off. Everything points to a bright return.
1	Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign second of 14 at Otaki in the LR Napier Sprint April 11 over 6f, soft track, 1.2 len behind Platinum Attack carrying 130lbs at $7.20. When resuming last campaign second of 15 at Trentham in the G1 The Telegraph January 3 over 6f, soft track, 1.0 len behind First Five carrying 129lbs at $36.30. Hard to beat fresh up. 2nd Pick 1 Navigator Jockey: Michael Mcnab Trainer: Cody Cole J: Michael Mcnab T: Cody Cole	162	-	-	-	19%	9/2
Analysis Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign second of 14 at Otaki in the LR Napier Sprint April 11 over 6f, soft track, 1.2 len behind Platinum Attack carrying 130lbs at $7.20. When resuming last campaign second of 15 at Trentham in the G1 The Telegraph January 3 over 6f, soft track, 1.0 len behind First Five carrying 129lbs at $36.30. Hard to beat fresh up.
3	Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign third of 17 at Trentham in the G1 Nz Tb Breeders March 28 over 1m, soft track, 1.4 len behind She's A Dealer carrying 126lbs at $9. Previous preparation first-up to post a big 3.5 len win. Tauherenikau December 10 over 7f slow track defeating New York Belle carrying 126lbs at $2.70. Has each way claims. 3rd Pick 3 Afternoon Siesta Jockey: Kelly Myers Trainer: John Bary J: Kelly Myers T: John Bary	97	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign third of 17 at Trentham in the G1 Nz Tb Breeders March 28 over 1m, soft track, 1.4 len behind She's A Dealer carrying 126lbs at $9. Previous preparation first-up to post a big 3.5 len win. Tauherenikau December 10 over 7f slow track defeating New York Belle carrying 126lbs at $2.70. Has each way claims.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Silks

The colorful jacket and cap worn by a jockey which features the design of the owner.

Rabbit

Also known as a pacemaker; this is a horse with no expected chance of winning but is used to prompt a quick pace on the front end of the race to the benefit of a stablemate who is a closer.

Apprentice

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