NZ - New Plymouth - Race 7

Thoroughbred

14 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 5

10.5K

VIEW

Verdict

MELONI (3) will give local trainer Robbie Patterson a strong hand in this race, and we think he could be the best of his after his fresh-up sixth here 16 days ago when sent out as the favourite. He had won a trial nicely before that, and will have an extra furlong to travel this time. Follow your money, and put him on top. SIR BRUCE (6) had come to the end of his prep when finishing out of the money at Trentham over 1 5/16m in early March. He has trialled and is expected to sprint well fresh up. Use the market moves as your best guide. BALLROOM BLITZ (7) ran a couple of good races in the early winter before training off on some very testing surfaces. She has been kept back while waiting for some firmer surfaces, and she is not to be underestimated in a field like this. PIERCING ARROW (10) wasn't bad fresh up here over 6f, and he can be a sharp improver at each-way value in this.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
3	Second run back. First-up after five months 6th of 11 at this track on November 5 over 6f, 2 len behind Leinster carrying 131lbs at $2.30. Previously second-up 2nd of 8 at this track on May 24 over 7f, on a slow track, 3 len behind Ribkraka carrying 126lbs at $3.30. He is capable of testing this field. 1st Pick 3 Meloni Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Robbie Patterson J: Craig Grylls T: Robbie Patterson	132	-	-	-	34%
Analysis Second run back. First-up after five months 6th of 11 at this track on November 5 over 6f, 2 len behind Leinster carrying 131lbs at $2.30. Previously second-up 2nd of 8 at this track on May 24 over 7f, on a slow track, 3 len behind Ribkraka carrying 126lbs at $3.30. He is capable of testing this field.
6	Resumes after a break of nine months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last preparation tenth of 16 at Trentham March 2 over 1 5/16m, 5 len behind Stringline carrying 130lbs at $7.50. Previously first up, third of 10 at Otaki November 3 2024 over 7f, soft track, 2 len behind Lemaitre with 129lbs at $6.80. Everything points to a positive return. 2nd Pick 6 Sir Bruce Jockey: Samantha Collett Trainer: Robbie Patterson J: Samantha Collett T: Robbie Patterson	78	-	-	-	13%
Analysis Resumes after a break of nine months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last preparation tenth of 16 at Trentham March 2 over 1 5/16m, 5 len behind Stringline carrying 130lbs at $7.50. Previously first up, third of 10 at Otaki November 3 2024 over 7f, soft track, 2 len behind Lemaitre with 129lbs at $6.80. Everything points to a positive return.
7	Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign second last of 8 at this track August 16 over 1m, on heavy track, 5 len behind Indian Gold carrying 128lbs at $16.30. Previous preparation first-up won by 0.5 len this track June 10 over 7f on heavy track defeating I Don't carrying 123lbs at $8.70. Looks all set for a effective return. 3rd Pick 7 Ballroom Blitz Jockey: Chris Dell Trainer: Robbie Patterson J: Chris Dell T: Robbie Patterson	61	-	-	-	7%
Analysis Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign second last of 8 at this track August 16 over 1m, on heavy track, 5 len behind Indian Gold carrying 128lbs at $16.30. Previous preparation first-up won by 0.5 len this track June 10 over 7f on heavy track defeating I Don't carrying 123lbs at $8.70. Looks all set for a effective return.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Paddock

The area where horses gather before the race to be saddled and paraded for the public.

Tack

The equipment the horse wears, including saddle and bridle. A jockey typically has their own racing saddle, placed on each horse they ride just before the race.

Mare

A female horse of five years or more.