NZ - Matamata - Race 2

Thoroughbred

15 Runners

9.9f

Maiden

Turf

HEAVY 8

10.8K

VIEW

Verdict

DJIBOUTI (6) was sent out as the favourite fresh up at Ruakaka off the back of an impressive Foxton trial win, and she motored home into third. She steps straight up to 1 ¼m, and can get the job done in a modest field. SWEET TORQUER (8) will be trying a middle distance for the first time, and won't lack fitness after racing on the Cambridge poly track last time out. Warren Kennedy replacing an apprentice is the key for us, and she can figure in the top 3 here. LINIOUS (7) ran on strongly for second last start when producing a career high performance. If she continues to improve, then she can get a slice of this as well. DIDO BELLE (10) is a long time maiden who may have found the right race to break her top 3 duck. FOUR LEAF CLOVER (11) can only improve off her poor resuming run at Ruakaka, and stepping up from 1m to 1 ¼m will help her, as will a 4lbs claim. Include at long odds to spice up any combos.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
6	Second run back. First-up after three months 3rd of 12 at Ruakaka on September 2 over 1m, slow going 1.3 len behind Cheerful Smile with 125lbs at $3.30. Previously second-up 12th of 14 at Te Rapa on January 30 over 1m, on a slow track, 7 len behind Volunteer with 121lbs at $16.20. One of the main contenders. 1st Pick 6 Djibouti Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Kurtis Pertab J: Craig Grylls T: Kurtis Pertab	136	-	-	-	40%	6/4
Analysis Second run back. First-up after three months 3rd of 12 at Ruakaka on September 2 over 1m, slow going 1.3 len behind Cheerful Smile with 125lbs at $3.30. Previously second-up 12th of 14 at Te Rapa on January 30 over 1m, on a slow track, 7 len behind Volunteer with 121lbs at $16.20. One of the main contenders.
8	Most recently 5th of 8 at Cambridge Synthetic on August 28 over 7 ¾f, 3.5 len behind Omalish with 118lbs at $3. Before that 4th of 13 at Te Rapa on August 22 over 1m, on a slow track, 2 len behind Autumn Heights carrying 125lbs at $9.50. Has the ability to be in the finish. 2nd Pick 8 Sweet Torquer Jockey: Warren Kennedy Trainer: Samantha Logan J: Warren Kennedy T: Samantha Logan	148	-	-	-	15%	6/1
Analysis Most recently 5th of 8 at Cambridge Synthetic on August 28 over 7 ¾f, 3.5 len behind Omalish with 118lbs at $3. Before that 4th of 13 at Te Rapa on August 22 over 1m, on a slow track, 2 len behind Autumn Heights carrying 125lbs at $9.50. Has the ability to be in the finish.
7	Most recently 2nd of 14 at Ruakaka on September 2 over 1 5/16m, on a slow track, 6 len behind Paper Romance with 118lbs at $40.20. Before that from last on the turn 6th of 10 at Te Rapa on August 8 over 1 5/16m, in the wet, 2.25 len behind Afore Ye Go with 118lbs at $17.30. Capable of giving a great sight. 3rd Pick 7 Linious Jockey: Tom Wigram Trainer: Moira & Kieran Murdoch J: Tom Wigram T: Moira & Kieran Murdoch	83	-	-	-	6%	18/1
Analysis Most recently 2nd of 14 at Ruakaka on September 2 over 1 5/16m, on a slow track, 6 len behind Paper Romance with 118lbs at $40.20. Before that from last on the turn 6th of 10 at Te Rapa on August 8 over 1 5/16m, in the wet, 2.25 len behind Afore Ye Go with 118lbs at $17.30. Capable of giving a great sight.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Bute

Shortened word for phenylbutazone, the common non-steroidal medication legal at most racetrack.

Objection

Claim of foul lodged by a jockey for perceived dangerous or illegal riding by a rival.

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.