NZ - Tauranga - Race 3

Thoroughbred

20 Runners

Maiden

Turf

SOFT 5

9.9K

VIEW

Verdict

The early racing is wide open with another big even field of maidens racing over 7f, and PURE LOTUS (2) has a chance to set the record straight after a modest effort as the favourite at Ellerslie nearly 2 weeks ago, when finishing midfield. His fresh up second by a nose is the guide to use, and he can make amends, so follow your money. DARK DUKE (4) won the latest of his 3 trials, and first this year, very comfortably. He is bred to handle it wet, and from a good draw, his top stable with have him ready to rumble on debut. FLEETWOOD (3) won a trial prior to finishing a fair eighth as the favourite fresh up at Ellerslie where he peaked on his run late. He has the pole position, and he is good enough to take this out, so stick with him. REQUISITE (1) is another who has improved this year, and a step up to 7f from 6f will help him. His usual honest effort can be expected. SIR YOU CAN DANCE (15) was beaten by a head last start, and even from a wide gate, he is a top 4 threat.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
2	Third-up today. Resuming 2nd of 11 at Ellerslie on April 27 over 6f, slow going 0.1 len behind Sabatini carrying 128lbs at $4.60. Last start 8th of 12 at Ellerslie on May 16 over 6f, slow going 6 len behind Armagh with 129lbs at $3.30. Shows promise. Expect he can make amends. 1st Pick 2 Pure Lotus Jockey: Michael Mcnab Trainer: Tony Pike J: Michael Mcnab T: Tony Pike	190	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis Third-up today. Resuming 2nd of 11 at Ellerslie on April 27 over 6f, slow going 0.1 len behind Sabatini carrying 128lbs at $4.60. Last start 8th of 12 at Ellerslie on May 16 over 6f, slow going 6 len behind Armagh with 129lbs at $3.30. Shows promise. Expect he can make amends.
4	Three-year-old gelding (Vadamos - Dark Princess). Roger James & Robert Wellwood has him ready for this with three recent trials leading in today's debut. Won his most recent trial at Avondale over 5f on May 12. Can get off the mark straight away. 2nd Pick 4 Dark Duke Jockey: Masahiro Hashizume Trainer: Roger James & Robert Wellwood J: Masahiro Hashizume T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood	66	-	-	-	25%	3/1
Analysis Three-year-old gelding (Vadamos - Dark Princess). Roger James & Robert Wellwood has him ready for this with three recent trials leading in today's debut. Won his most recent trial at Avondale over 5f on May 12. Can get off the mark straight away.
3	Second-up. First-up after 11 months 8th of 12 at Ellerslie on May 6 over 7f, slow going 4.5 len behind Curved Glory with 127lbs at $4.20. Previously second-up 5th of 14 at Ellerslie on June 7 over 6f, on a slow track, 3 len behind Vieni Su with 122lbs at $7.60. Rates highly and looks a strong winning hope. 3rd Pick 3 Fleetwood Jockey: Ace Lawson-Carroll Trainer: Moira & Kieran Murdoch J: Ace Lawson-Carroll T: Moira & Kieran Murdoch	67	-	-	-	8%	13/1
Analysis Second-up. First-up after 11 months 8th of 12 at Ellerslie on May 6 over 7f, slow going 4.5 len behind Curved Glory with 127lbs at $4.20. Previously second-up 5th of 14 at Ellerslie on June 7 over 6f, on a slow track, 3 len behind Vieni Su with 122lbs at $7.60. Rates highly and looks a strong winning hope.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Superfecta

A wager involving choosing the first, second, third, and fourth horses in one race in the exact order. A superfecta box involves paying more to ensure they can finish in any order in the top four spots.

Tack

The equipment the horse wears, including saddle and bridle. A jockey typically has their own racing saddle, placed on each horse they ride just before the race.

Bullet

A bullet, or bullet workout, is a workout that was clocked as the best time for a certain distance on a given day.