NZ - Te Rapa - Race 8

Thoroughbred

16 Runners

11.9f

Unknown

Turf

SOFT 5

80.9K

VIEW

Verdict

SHARP 'N' SMART (1) has been out of the winners' circle for a long time, but gets everything in his favour this time. He was running on over 1 5/16m in the Counties Cup 3 weeks ago, and back on this track, over a more suitable 1 ½m, he is poised to break his win drought. THE ODYSSEY (2) hit the line strongly for third in the Whanganui Cup 2 weeks ago. He loves it here, and the step up to 1 ½m is what he has been looking for, and he is good enough to take this out. MIDNIGHT BLUE (3) has needed all of his 3 runs back from a spell, and will be hoping to race on his preferred good track conditions here. He is nicely weighted, and with Craig Grylls in the saddle, he is ready to put his best hoof forward. Each way value. AFTERMATH (7) was only beaten by a neck in a similar field 3 weeks ago in the G3 Counties Cup. He will relish the extra trip, and another honest effort is on the cards. GIGI (8) was the beaten favourite in the Counties Cup, finishing fifth. Stick with him.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
1	Racing well recently. Most recently came from midfield, 4th of 14 at Pukekohe in the G3 Counties Cup on November 22 over 1 5/16m, on a slow track, 0.5 len behind Final Return with 130lbs at $7.40. The start before that 3rd of 12 at Ellerslie in the G3 Balmerino Stakes on November 4 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 3 len behind El Vencedor with 130lbs at $8.60. Looks hard to beat. 1st Pick 1 Sharp 'n' Smart Jockey: George Rooke Trainer: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson J: George Rooke T: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson	137	-	-	-	12%	15/2
Analysis Racing well recently. Most recently came from midfield, 4th of 14 at Pukekohe in the G3 Counties Cup on November 22 over 1 5/16m, on a slow track, 0.5 len behind Final Return with 130lbs at $7.40. The start before that 3rd of 12 at Ellerslie in the G3 Balmerino Stakes on November 4 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 3 len behind El Vencedor with 130lbs at $8.60. Looks hard to beat.
2	Last start 3rd of 14 at Wanganui in the LR Wanganui Cup on November 29 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 3.5 len behind Tshiebwe carrying 130lbs at $7.50. The race before that 7th of 12 at Ellerslie in the G3 Balmerino Stakes on November 4 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 6 len behind El Vencedor carrying 130lbs at $5.60. Terrific chance to continue the strong form. 2nd Pick 2 The Odyssey Jockey: Jonathan Riddell Trainer: Ben & Ryan Foote J: Jonathan Riddell T: Ben & Ryan Foote	78	-	-	-	12%	15/2
Analysis Last start 3rd of 14 at Wanganui in the LR Wanganui Cup on November 29 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 3.5 len behind Tshiebwe carrying 130lbs at $7.50. The race before that 7th of 12 at Ellerslie in the G3 Balmerino Stakes on November 4 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 6 len behind El Vencedor carrying 130lbs at $5.60. Terrific chance to continue the strong form.
3	Most recently 10th of 14 at Pukekohe in the G3 Counties Cup on November 22 over 1 5/16m, on a slow track, 2.5 len behind Final Return with 119lbs at $23.10. The start before that got back early 9th of 12 at Ellerslie in the G3 Balmerino Stakes on November 4 over 1 ¼m, slow going 10 len behind El Vencedor with 130lbs at $21.70. Top chance despite the latest effort. 3rd Pick 3 Midnight Blue Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Craig Grylls T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	128	-	-	-	8%	13/1
Analysis Most recently 10th of 14 at Pukekohe in the G3 Counties Cup on November 22 over 1 5/16m, on a slow track, 2.5 len behind Final Return with 119lbs at $23.10. The start before that got back early 9th of 12 at Ellerslie in the G3 Balmerino Stakes on November 4 over 1 ¼m, slow going 10 len behind El Vencedor with 130lbs at $21.70. Top chance despite the latest effort.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Morning Line

An approximation of expected odds in a race, quoted before actual odds are determined.

Fractions

The times recorded during the race; with timing starting just past the gate or when the gates open, then parroted for the quarter, half, three-quarters etc. Used as an indication of ability and speed.

Synthetic Surface

A racing surface comprised of silica sand and fibers, such as recycled carpet or spandex. The mixture is then sealed with wax.