NZ - Taupo - Race 8

Thoroughbred

10 Runners

6.5f

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 5

10.8K

VIEW

Verdict

HARD ROCA (1) has found it hard to win another race, and was only half a length from the winner when finishing runner-up at Ellerslie 17 days ago. He has a good gate and will be the one to beat in an even field. KIA KAHA (6) has mixed his form this prep, and was only beaten by a nose at Arawa Park last time out. She can secure the run of the race from the pole position and is set to go one better here. GREENWICH (2) had a tough trip from a wide gate at Te Aroha 3 weeks ago, and failed to finish his run off. He gets a nice swing in his draw this time and is expected to bounce straight back into the money. Include in all combinations. MASSIVE PRINCE (3) will find this easier than his last run in BM75 grade at Trentham just over 3 weeks ago. His form prior was strong, and he won't be far away in this. Include.

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Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
1	Most recently 2nd of 10 at Ellerslie on December 11 over 6f, on a slow track, 0.5 len behind Vieni Su carrying 130lbs at $4.20. The start before that 9th of 13 at Ellerslie on November 29 over 6 ½f, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind Rise Companions carrying 127lbs at $9.70. Winning chance. 1st Pick 1 Hard Roca Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Andrew Forsman J: Craig Grylls T: Andrew Forsman	278	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis Most recently 2nd of 10 at Ellerslie on December 11 over 6f, on a slow track, 0.5 len behind Vieni Su carrying 130lbs at $4.20. The start before that 9th of 13 at Ellerslie on November 29 over 6 ½f, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind Rise Companions carrying 127lbs at $9.70. Winning chance.
6	Most recently raced on the pace when 2nd of 12 at Arawa Park on December 5 over 7f, slow going nose behind Live On Air carrying 126lbs at $3.90. Before that 7th of 14 at Pukekohe on November 22 over 7f, slow going 4 len behind Sista Sugar with 127lbs at $13.20. Progressing well. Major player. 2nd Pick 6 Kia Kaha Jockey: Elen Nicholas Trainer: Stephen Marsh J: Elen Nicholas T: Stephen Marsh	154	-	-	-	17%	5/1
Analysis Most recently raced on the pace when 2nd of 12 at Arawa Park on December 5 over 7f, slow going nose behind Live On Air carrying 126lbs at $3.90. Before that 7th of 14 at Pukekohe on November 22 over 7f, slow going 4 len behind Sista Sugar with 127lbs at $13.20. Progressing well. Major player.
2	Most recently struggled in the run home, second last of 10 at Te Aroha on December 7 over 6 ½f, 6 len behind Larius Lacus with 128lbs at $13. Before that 2nd of 11 at New Plymouth Raceway on November 5 over 6f, long-neck behind Leinster with 131lbs at $9.70. Right in the mix. 3rd Pick 2 Greenwich Jockey: Sam Mcnab Trainer: Ben & Ryan Foote J: Sam Mcnab T: Ben & Ryan Foote	85	-	-	-	8%	13/1
Analysis Most recently struggled in the run home, second last of 10 at Te Aroha on December 7 over 6 ½f, 6 len behind Larius Lacus with 128lbs at $13. Before that 2nd of 11 at New Plymouth Raceway on November 5 over 6f, long-neck behind Leinster with 131lbs at $9.70. Right in the mix.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Trifecta

A wager picking the first, second and third horses in the exact order. A trifecta box means paying more to ensure the horses can finish in any order in the top three spots.

Overlay

A horse going off at higher odds than his recent efforts show that he deserves.

Synthetic Surface

A racing surface comprised of silica sand and fibers, such as recycled carpet or spandex. The mixture is then sealed with wax.