NZ - Otaki - Race 8

Thoroughbred

12 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 6

23.3K

VIEW

Verdict

HE'S LUCID (6) got a long way back at Tauherenikau last start before growing wings and storming home late to finish fourth. He is peaking third up from a spell, and from a better draw, with 4lbs less to carry, he is ready to post an overdue win. VICTORTHEINFLICTOR (8) ended his last prep with a win on the Awapuni poly track near the end of August. He has had a quiet trial, and if he doesn't need the run, he can figure in the top 3. RIVERPLATE (2) is a former Australian-trained gelding making his local debut from the astute Andrew Campbell stable. He has won both of his tune-up trials very easily and has a terrific record fresh up. Hard to beat. CONNELLO (5) tried hard on a heavy track on the last day of the NZ Cup Carnival at Riccarton nearly 6 weeks ago, finishing fourth. She has not won for some time, but is capable of a top 4 finish here as well. BELLE TRIBUTE (10) is a very promising mare resuming from a spell that would have done her the world of good. Check the market moves.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
6	Third-up today. First-up 10th of 15 at Riccarton Park on November 15 over 6f, on a wet track, 6 len behind Brave Spirit carrying 129lbs at $7.80. Last start 4th of 14 at Tauherenikau on December 10 over 7f, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind Afternoon Siesta carrying 132lbs at $13.70. Hard to beat on his best form. 1st Pick 6 He's Lucid Jockey: Kelly Myers Trainer: Kevin Myers J: Kelly Myers T: Kevin Myers	137	-	-	-	17%	5/1
Analysis Third-up today. First-up 10th of 15 at Riccarton Park on November 15 over 6f, on a wet track, 6 len behind Brave Spirit carrying 129lbs at $7.80. Last start 4th of 14 at Tauherenikau on December 10 over 7f, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind Afternoon Siesta carrying 132lbs at $13.70. Hard to beat on his best form.
8	Gelding back from a spell of four months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation by neck Awapuni Synthetic August 24 over 1 5/16m defeating Cuba Street carrying 128lbs at $4.10. When resuming last campaign ninth of 11 at Hawera May 6 over 6f, soft track, 5 len behind Pleasing with 128lbs at $19. Looks all set for a positive return. 2nd Pick 8 Victortheinflictor Jockey: Jim Chung Trainer: Peter And Trent Didham J: Jim Chung T: Peter And Trent Didham	74	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Gelding back from a spell of four months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation by neck Awapuni Synthetic August 24 over 1 5/16m defeating Cuba Street carrying 128lbs at $4.10. When resuming last campaign ninth of 11 at Hawera May 6 over 6f, soft track, 5 len behind Pleasing with 128lbs at $19. Looks all set for a positive return.
2	Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 13 months. Finished off last campaign sixth of 9 at Morphettville Parks Bm78 December 7 2024 over 7 ¾f, 7 len behind Wild Imagination with 132lbs at $4. Previous preparation first-up favourite, won by 2.25 len Murray Bridge 1Mw-Ly June 15 2024 over 7f slow track defeating Kushan Khanivale carrying 130lbs at $4. This is an ideal race to kick off. Expected to feature. 3rd Pick 2 Riverplate Jockey: Jonathan Riddell Trainer: Andrew Campbell J: Jonathan Riddell T: Andrew Campbell	113	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 13 months. Finished off last campaign sixth of 9 at Morphettville Parks Bm78 December 7 2024 over 7 ¾f, 7 len behind Wild Imagination with 132lbs at $4. Previous preparation first-up favourite, won by 2.25 len Murray Bridge 1Mw-Ly June 15 2024 over 7f slow track defeating Kushan Khanivale carrying 130lbs at $4. This is an ideal race to kick off. Expected to feature.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Bobble/Stumble

A slip or a duck from a horse trying to leave the starting gates, often caused by the surface giving way under the feet. This can range from a mild misstep to a stumble down to their knees.

Main Track Only

A horse entered for main track only (MTO) is one hoping the weather forecast or track conditions will move the race off the turf course and onto the main track. They are scratched the morning of the race if the conditions stay dry.

Bute

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