NZ - Te Aroha - Race 5

Thoroughbred

8 Runners

17.4f

Unknown

Turf

HEAVY 10

23.2K

VIEW

Verdict

DUKE OF PLUMPTON (4) did a demolition job on his rivals when winning his steeplechase debut at Woodville 2 weeks ago, and even in this field with more depth, he can repeat the dose. SMUG (2) tried his heart out at Trentham last start when finishing fourth in a slog to the line, and before that he was a narrowly beaten third in a stronger field than this at Te Rapa. He can chance a jump or 2 in his round, but if he keeps focused on the job at hand, then he is the main threat to the top pick. NAME THE GAME (6) has been tuned up for this with a sharp effort over hurdles at Trentham last start, and he has had a trial since then to keep him up to the mark. His only win has come over the bigger fences, and he should be right in the finish here. INVISIBLE SPIRIT (5) is a tough jumper who is seldom far away in this role. He has a good record on this track, and is a must for all top 4 combos. JUSTICE (3) was pulled up at Trentham last start, but he can bounce back into form here. Include.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
4	Useful type. Last start to post a big 31 len win. Woodville on July 12 over 2 7/16m on heavy going defeating Super Flash with 150lbs at $2.10 in a steeplechase. The run before made some head-way from midfield, finished eighth of 10 runners at Waverley on July 4 over 1m, on slow going 7 len behind Mckhan with 110lbs at $46.60. Fought on last time. Rates highly on that latest effort and can go on with it. 1st Pick 4 Duke Of Plumpton Jockey: Hamish Mc Neill Trainer: Caley Myers J: Hamish Mc Neill T: Caley Myers	81	-	-	-	39%	13/8
Analysis Useful type. Last start to post a big 31 len win. Woodville on July 12 over 2 7/16m on heavy going defeating Super Flash with 150lbs at $2.10 in a steeplechase. The run before made some head-way from midfield, finished eighth of 10 runners at Waverley on July 4 over 1m, on slow going 7 len behind Mckhan with 110lbs at $46.60. Fought on last time. Rates highly on that latest effort and can go on with it.
2	Recent form impressive for this race. Last outing finished fourth of 8 starters at Trentham on July 2 over 3 m, in the wet, 5 len behind Brucie carrying 143lbs at $6.60. Start before finished third of 11 runners at Te Rapa on June 13 over 2m, on slow going a long-neck behind Nedwin carrying 143lbs at $23.10. Key chance on best form. 2nd Pick 2 Smug Jockey: M J Roustoby Trainer: Chris Wood J: M J Roustoby T: Chris Wood	70	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Recent form impressive for this race. Last outing finished fourth of 8 starters at Trentham on July 2 over 3 m, in the wet, 5 len behind Brucie carrying 143lbs at $6.60. Start before finished third of 11 runners at Te Rapa on June 13 over 2m, on slow going a long-neck behind Nedwin carrying 143lbs at $23.10. Key chance on best form.
6	Last outing finished second of 9 starters at Trentham on July 2 over 1/16m, on rain affected going, 5.5 len behind Affordable with 143lbs at $19.70. Start before finished sixth of 8 starters at Trentham on June 10 over 2 7/16m, on rain affected going, 12 len behind Never Look Back with 144lbs at $18.10. Progressing well this campaign. Can return to the winner's list. 3rd Pick 6 Name The Game Jockey: Brandon Holliday Trainer: Gail Temperton J: Brandon Holliday T: Gail Temperton	69	-	-	-	12%	15/2
Analysis Last outing finished second of 9 starters at Trentham on July 2 over 1/16m, on rain affected going, 5.5 len behind Affordable with 143lbs at $19.70. Start before finished sixth of 8 starters at Trentham on June 10 over 2 7/16m, on rain affected going, 12 len behind Never Look Back with 144lbs at $18.10. Progressing well this campaign. Can return to the winner's list.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Claiming Race

A race in which horses are entered for a certain price, or claiming tag, which is also their sales price. An owner can claim any horse entered for the tag before the race begins, and owns them as soon as the gates open.

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.

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.