NZ - Te Rapa - Race 7

Thoroughbred

16 Runners

6.5f

Benchmark

Turf

HEAVY 8

20.5K

VIEW

Verdict

BHARNSTORM (5) steadily improved through his initial prep in the spring, ending on a high with a big win at Matamata over 1 ¼m in December. He has had a trial to bring his fitness levels up, and despite 6 ½f being short of his best, he can still be very competitive fresh, especially on a wet track. THUMBELINA (12) overcame a wide gate to score very impressively at Pukekohe a month ago. She has plenty more to offer this year, and even from another wide draw, she will go close to repeating the dose. ESTERNAY (8) needed her first run in NZ after relocating from Australia when failing to find any form there in the spring. She slides down in class, and from a superior gate, she can be a quick improver. TRACK TESTER (3) found the company a touch easier when finishing second by a nose at this level at Matamata 3 weeks ago. He is still improving, and another honest effort is expected. ASHOKA (16) peaked on his run late when resuming from a spell, and he is worth including in all combos.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Racing first-up today. Finished off last campaign winning won by 1.75 len Matamata December 19 over 1 ¼m slow track defeating Rocky Balboa carrying 129lbs at $2.70. On debut ninth of 12 at Tauranga October 1 over 7f, soft track, 8 len behind Reckoning with 129lbs at $12.20. Open to improvement and expected to feature. 1st Pick 5 Bharnstorm Jockey: Jack Taplin Trainer: Stephen Marsh J: Jack Taplin T: Stephen Marsh	51	-	-	-	20%	4/1
Analysis Racing first-up today. Finished off last campaign winning won by 1.75 len Matamata December 19 over 1 ¼m slow track defeating Rocky Balboa carrying 129lbs at $2.70. On debut ninth of 12 at Tauranga October 1 over 7f, soft track, 8 len behind Reckoning with 129lbs at $12.20. Open to improvement and expected to feature.
12	Racing well recently. Returns from a 30-day let-up. Most recently favourite, scored a big 3.5 len win at Pukekohe March 13 over 6f on a rain affected track defeating Magic Dreams carrying 126lbs at $2.60. The run before that came home strongly from last on the turn, 3rd of 12 at Pukekohe on February 25 over 6f, slow going 0.5 len behind Sweet Smile carrying 123lbs at $9.20. Shapes as a leading chance again. 2nd Pick 12 Thumbelina Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Craig Grylls T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	62	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Racing well recently. Returns from a 30-day let-up. Most recently favourite, scored a big 3.5 len win at Pukekohe March 13 over 6f on a rain affected track defeating Magic Dreams carrying 126lbs at $2.60. The run before that came home strongly from last on the turn, 3rd of 12 at Pukekohe on February 25 over 6f, slow going 0.5 len behind Sweet Smile carrying 123lbs at $9.20. Shapes as a leading chance again.
8	Second run back. First-up after five months 7th of 11 at Pukekohe on March 20 over 6f, 2.25 len behind Charmrose carrying 120lbs at $9. Previously second-up second last of 12 at Cranbourne Bm66 on October 31 over 7f, 4.5 len behind Miss Playlounge with 125lbs at $15. Rates highly and is among the leading hopes. 3rd Pick 8 Esternay Jockey: Warren Kennedy Trainer: Lance Noble J: Warren Kennedy T: Lance Noble	78	-	-	-	12%	8/1
Analysis Second run back. First-up after five months 7th of 11 at Pukekohe on March 20 over 6f, 2.25 len behind Charmrose carrying 120lbs at $9. Previously second-up second last of 12 at Cranbourne Bm66 on October 31 over 7f, 4.5 len behind Miss Playlounge with 125lbs at $15. Rates highly and is among the leading hopes.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Allowance Race

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

Show Wager

Betting on a horse to finish in the first three spots, which pays out the same whether they win or run second or third.

Filly

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