Bet of the week - 17 September
Jumps preview
Hastings Preview
19th September 2020
Race 1 TE WHANGAI ROMNEYS HAWKES BAY HURDLE 3100m
A capacity field gathers for this year’s Hawkes Bay Hurdle and it promises to be a fantastic event but from a punting perspective proceed with caution J as you will need to identify who is going to appreciate the firmer track conditions that are likely to prevail on Saturday.
The real ‘firm-trackers’ according to the stat’s are Waikato Hurdles winner TOMMYRA, the iron horse ZENTANGLES and the local reign champion No CHANGE who gets A KURU back in the saddle here. All 3 present as very good chances in the race but consideration also needs to be given to several others who have demonstrated form on dead tracks namely BAD BOY BROWN, GRINNER, ALI BABA. 6 realistic contenders and there is no mention yet of LAKEEPER and his red-hot pilot Shaun FANNIN, he is a must consider simply because of his class. He was right in contention before he fell in the Waikato hurdles and Shaun stays with him.
Despite this, I’m going to bet with the head, not the heart and on those grounds, TOMMYRA gets the nod, given he gapped most of these in the Waikato Hurdler and he backed that run up with a solid effort in the Awapuni Hurdles last time. He will need to be on top of his game for this because it is a very open race and although it will be firm, some horses can get away with one run on a better track
Suggested Bet: Each Way TOMMYRA
Boxed Quinella 1 x 2 x 3 X 5
Race 2 AHD HAWKES BAY STEEPLECHASE 4800m
Similar scenario here with the outside of the track predicted to be even firmed up against the rail
Again, the stat’s suggest 3 horses can perform on top of the ground namely DELACROIX, NAPOLEON and the new boy on the block EL DISPARO but then you also have to consider the other form runners in TAI HO, DES DE JEU and MANDALAY.
For this race I’m staying with the southerner, DELACROIX. It was a super effort by him last time narrowly missing out to a very good horse and without It’s A Wonder starting on Saturday I while I respect others I see him as the one to beat on Saturday.
Suggested Bet: DELAROIX for the win
Roving % F4 3/ 5-7-8/5-7-8/F
Flat preview
Te Rapa Thursday 17th September
RUN FOR COVER Race 6: Brings good trial form and smart trackwork, good each-way bet on debut.
Ashburton Friday 18th September
STELLA CREEK Race 3: A wide run brought her undone last time but from the ace draw should get the run and the win she deserves.
Ruakaka 19th September
SAVASTEP Race 3: Followed Taupo win with solid third at Te Rapa, the right form to add another here.
Place your bet here
Hastings 19th September
MASCARPONE Race 7: Looked good at times last season and first-up second at Awapuni had ‘next time’ written all over it.
