NZ - Tauherenikau - Race 8

Thoroughbred

12 Runners

6.5f

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 5

10.7K

VIEW

Verdict

FIRST GEAR (4) has been disappointing this season, and just had to work a touch too hard at Otaki last time out from a wide gate. He has the pole position this time, and Bruno Queiroz keeps the faith. This field is very even, and a return to form is on the cards. COOL 'N' FAST (1) was good enough to finish third as the favourite fresh up at Ellerslie in early September. His next 3 starts have been fair, but this is a more suitable assignment for him, and he will be hard to hold out. HICKORY JACK (3) has hit the line strongly to finish third in his last 2 starts. If he gets the right run into it around the final bend, then he can have the last say. JAMAICA BAY (2) made progress last season and has had 3 tune-up trials to help get ready for his return here. He will be a lot stronger now and can make an immediate impact fresh up. KEEPING TIME (7) had an excuse last start, and before that was running on late at Whanganui. Include in all top 4 combinations.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
4	At the latest run 7th of 14 at Otaki on December 19 over 6f, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind Bodacious Kate with 128lbs at $6.30. The run before that 4th of 9 at Wanganui on November 22 over 6f, on a slow track, 6 len behind Lucullan with 128lbs at $8.10. Likely to feature. 1st Pick 4 First Gear Jockey: Bruno Queiroz Trainer: Kevin & Stephen Gray, Copper Belt Lodge J: Bruno Queiroz T: Kevin & Stephen Gray, Copper Belt Lodge	112	-	-	-	25%
Analysis At the latest run 7th of 14 at Otaki on December 19 over 6f, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind Bodacious Kate with 128lbs at $6.30. The run before that 4th of 9 at Wanganui on November 22 over 6f, on a slow track, 6 len behind Lucullan with 128lbs at $8.10. Likely to feature.
1	Last start 7th of 11 at Matamata on December 19 over 7f, slow going 1.75 len behind Transaction with 131lbs at $8.60. The run before that got back early 5th of 7 at Te Aroha on November 26 over 5 ¾f, 4.5 len behind Paravane with 131lbs at $7.70. Rates highly and should run well. 2nd Pick 1 Cool 'n' Fast Jockey: Kelly Myers Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Kelly Myers T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	148	-	-	-	34%
Analysis Last start 7th of 11 at Matamata on December 19 over 7f, slow going 1.75 len behind Transaction with 131lbs at $8.60. The run before that got back early 5th of 7 at Te Aroha on November 26 over 5 ¾f, 4.5 len behind Paravane with 131lbs at $7.70. Rates highly and should run well.
3	Recent form sound. Last start 3rd of 14 at this track on December 10 over 7f, slow going 4.5 len behind Afternoon Siesta carrying 128lbs at $16.70. The race before that 3rd of 11 at Waipukurau on November 16 over 7f, 1.5 len behind Sunshine Ale carrying 128lbs at $18.20. Should be at peak fitness now and is ready for another bold showing. 3rd Pick 3 Hickory Jack Jockey: Madan Singh Trainer: Fraser Auret J: Madan Singh T: Fraser Auret	128	-	-	-	20%
Analysis Recent form sound. Last start 3rd of 14 at this track on December 10 over 7f, slow going 4.5 len behind Afternoon Siesta carrying 128lbs at $16.70. The race before that 3rd of 11 at Waipukurau on November 16 over 7f, 1.5 len behind Sunshine Ale carrying 128lbs at $18.20. Should be at peak fitness now and is ready for another bold showing.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Workout

A workout is a timed sprint over varying distances prior to a race, meant to get a horse fit enough for competition.

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.

Colt

A male horse that is four years of age or under.