NZ - Taupo - Race 5

Thoroughbred

12 Runners

Unknown

Turf

SOFT 5

23.3K

VIEW

Verdict

VIRGO VIVA (7) was a big-priced winner on debut by a nose on this track, and then battled on fairly well in the G2 Sarten Memorial just over 8 weeks ago. She has trialled since then, and back in this more suitable company, she can bounce straight back into the winner's circle. MERCY (11) is backing up 9 days after finishing a game runner-up on debut at Otaki over 6f. The extra furlong is ideal, and even out of her class, she has top 4 claims. UNISON (1) won fresh up in his first start since arriving from Hong Kong. He was quite impressive that day, and can take the next step immediately. NOW NOT NEVER (6) would have learned a lot from his debut effort for fifth over this trip at Te Aroha 3 weeks ago. Rory Hutchings sticks with him, and so do we. THINK I GOT CHA (2) finished fourth on a heavy track fresh up at New Plymouth just over 3 weeks ago over 6f. He has been trying to win a race for some time, but is capable of another top 4 finish with the right run.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
7	Lining up for just third start. At big odds at debut, won by a nose at this track October 10 over 6 ½f on a rain affected track defeating Capote with 119lbs at $26.90. Last start 8th of 12 at Tauranga in the G2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes on November 1 over 7f, on a slow track, 6 len behind Swiss Prince carrying 121lbs at $26.80. Has ability and is worth another chance. 1st Pick 7 Virgo Viva Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Andrew Forsman J: Craig Grylls T: Andrew Forsman	159	-	-	-	31%	9/4
Analysis Lining up for just third start. At big odds at debut, won by a nose at this track October 10 over 6 ½f on a rain affected track defeating Capote with 119lbs at $26.90. Last start 8th of 12 at Tauranga in the G2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes on November 1 over 7f, on a slow track, 6 len behind Swiss Prince carrying 121lbs at $26.80. Has ability and is worth another chance.
11	At debut, 2nd of 10 at Otaki on December 19 over 6f, slow going 1.0 len behind Top Of The Pack with 121lbs at $6.20. Improvement to come and looks hard to beat. 2nd Pick 11 Mercy Jockey: Kelly Myers Trainer: Kevin Myers J: Kelly Myers T: Kevin Myers	94	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis At debut, 2nd of 10 at Otaki on December 19 over 6f, slow going 1.0 len behind Top Of The Pack with 121lbs at $6.20. Improvement to come and looks hard to beat.
1	Second run back. First-up after a year won by 1.0 len at Tauranga December 12 over 6 ½f on a rain affected track defeating Permissive with 115lbs at $9.20. Previously second-up 6th of 12 at Happy Valley on October 9 2024 over 6f, 5 len behind Aurora Lady with 127lbs at $15. Shapes as a leading chance again. 3rd Pick 1 Unison Jockey: Rihaan Goyaram Trainer: Nick Kneebone J: Rihaan Goyaram T: Nick Kneebone	114	-	-	-	15%	6/1
Analysis Second run back. First-up after a year won by 1.0 len at Tauranga December 12 over 6 ½f on a rain affected track defeating Permissive with 115lbs at $9.20. Previously second-up 6th of 12 at Happy Valley on October 9 2024 over 6f, 5 len behind Aurora Lady with 127lbs at $15. Shapes as a leading chance again.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

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.

Fast

A dry dirt track that is typically an ideal racing surface.

Bug

An apprentice jockey.