NZ - Tauherenikau - Race 4

Thoroughbred

9 Runners

6.5f

Maiden

Turf

SOFT 5

10.7K

VIEW

Verdict

GOSSIP (6) has been a beaten favourite in most of her 6 starts, including both starts this season. She will be peaking third up, and dropping back from a mile to 6 ½f will suit her. One more chance. DANCING SHADOW (3) had to work a touch too hard early on when fading to finish a well-beaten fourth here just over 3 weeks ago. He is better than that, and it is encouraging to see Bruno Queiroz keep the faith. Each way. JACOBITE RISING (1) will be ready to race after having no less than 6 trials spread out over a couple of preps. He is in good hands, and the market will be the best guide. BELLE'S CHARM (8) was a beaten favourite at Trentham nearly 3 weeks ago, but deserves another chance in an easier field third up from a spell. Follow your money. I AM JAZZ (7) resumes from a spell for a new trainer. She has shown talent in the past, and can't be taken lightly here.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
6	Third-up today. First-up raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 9 at New Plymouth Raceway on November 21 over 7f, slow going neck behind Justice For All with 127lbs at $2.70. Second-up faded in the straight 5th of 11 at this track on December 10 over 1m, slow going 4 len behind Unusual Invader with 125lbs at $2.50. Big chance to atone. 1st Pick 6 Gossip Jockey: Kelly Myers Trainer: Johno Benner J: Kelly Myers T: Johno Benner	117	-	-	-	39%
Analysis Third-up today. First-up raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 9 at New Plymouth Raceway on November 21 over 7f, slow going neck behind Justice For All with 127lbs at $2.70. Second-up faded in the straight 5th of 11 at this track on December 10 over 1m, slow going 4 len behind Unusual Invader with 125lbs at $2.50. Big chance to atone.
3	Recent form sound. Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 9 at this track on December 10 over 5f, slow going 8 len behind Falcrests Belle with 126lbs at $4.70. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 at this track on November 9 over 5f, slow going 2 len behind Nedelin carrying 126lbs at $4.20. Likely to feature. 2nd Pick 3 Dancing Shadow Jockey: Bruno Queiroz Trainer: Kevin & Stephen Gray, Copper Belt Lodge J: Bruno Queiroz T: Kevin & Stephen Gray, Copper Belt Lodge	98	-	-	-	20%
Analysis Recent form sound. Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 9 at this track on December 10 over 5f, slow going 8 len behind Falcrests Belle with 126lbs at $4.70. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 at this track on November 9 over 5f, slow going 2 len behind Nedelin carrying 126lbs at $4.20. Likely to feature.
1	Four-year-old gelding making debut by Ocean Park out of Dubonnet. Purchased for NZD $ 60,000 (NZB 2023 Ready to Run Sale). Was second in a Foxton barrier trial over 5f December 16. Should be primed for a big run despite a tricky gate. 3rd Pick 1 Jacobite Rising Jockey: Jim Chung Trainer: Roydon Bergerson J: Jim Chung T: Roydon Bergerson	56	-	-	-	15%
Analysis Four-year-old gelding making debut by Ocean Park out of Dubonnet. Purchased for NZD $ 60,000 (NZB 2023 Ready to Run Sale). Was second in a Foxton barrier trial over 5f December 16. Should be primed for a big run despite a tricky gate.

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.

Exercise Rider

A rider built much like a jockey but is employed for exercising and working out horses in the morning.

Allowance Race

A race with non-claiming conditions set by the racing secretary. They are meant to be a step down from stakes racing.