Bet of the week - 1 October
Pakuranga HC Preview
4th October 2020
Race 1 EASTERN EARTHMOVERS MAIDEN HURDLE 2760m
A field of promising maiden hurdlers face the starter in the first and after some evaluation, I have settled on 4 leading contenders namely RICHARD OF YORKE, LONDONDERRY AIR, CLEAVER (all having the third hurdle start on Sunday) and the debutante RAUCOUS.
RICHARD OF YORK has been strong in both of his hurdle runs and appears to be a horse that will handle most tracks. The 2 kg claim will assist and he should be right amongst them most of the way. LONDONDERRY AIR looked to have improved at his last hurdle race and adding merit to that performance was the fact that is was in an Open event; finishing less than 5-length from Senassy points to him been a strong chance back to maiden class here. CLEAVER has run 5th in both of his maiden hurdles but again appears as a horse on the improve and his run last start here at Ellerslie against subsequent Hawkes Bay winner The Midnight Shift means he will also be a runner well found by many punters in this. That leaves RAUCOUS on debut. He is from the strong Nelson & McDougal stables and his form at the PTP and Hurdle Trials indicates that he will be very competitive here if he handles the firm conditions. A KURU takes the ride and that on its own is appealing.
Suggested Bet: Each Way LONDONDERRY AIRD
Multi’s around: 1 x 3 X 4 X 8
Race 2 PAKURANGA HUNT LANDOWNERS MAIDEN HURDLE 2760M
This is a field with limited hurdling experience so a bolter out of left field here would not surprise.
EL LUCHADOR hasn’t had a hurdle run since September 2018 but his last start was a strong second to Kiddo and anything close to that form would mean he is a strong chance in this. The 3 kgs off his back will also assist and he has performed on all types of ground. KION always seem to find something better but he is a good jumper and this could be his big chance. One has to respect anything trained by the famous Hillis family and AZABEAT could be one to keep an eye on as to are the likes of trial performers BRAWLER and KAPELLA HEIGHTS. That aside for me the top choice in this race is the Myers runner MIZZENA. His last start was a strong performance and the 3 kg claim will be a big assist.
Suggested Bet: MIZZENA for the win
Multi GO THE EASIBET J
Race 3 CORSON MAIZE PAKURANGA HUNT HURDLE 3350M
A very strong field assemble here and many will be looking for strong runs with the Northern only 2 weeks away. Dean PARKER gets a big chance here with Shaun FANNIN unfortunately sidelined through injury. AIGNE has been outstanding hurdling this season and with only 2 kgs above the minimum, he must surely start favourite in this. MAGNANIMOUS MAN and THE COSSACK also bring strong form into the race both having won their last 2 starts. Shaun PHELAN is back from a wrist injury and will be looking to get straight back onto the podium if he can. Others to pay respect include TOMMYRA, NO TIP and REVOLUTION all very capable on their days.
Suggested Bet: AIGNE to continue his dominance
Multi’s: Roving F4 2/1-3-6-7-8
Race 5 THE PATRON’S MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE 4150M
A capacity field of maiden chaser’s down to face the start on Sunday is an encouraging sign for the future.
Several chances in this DRUMGOLD, LITTLE MACS, MESMERIZE, RAAJ and TE KAHU who was, unfortunately, a late scratching last time here. That a-side I’m looking for a little value here in the form of DONARDO. I was impressed with his run in the Wanganui Chase behind Old Countess and if he can repeat that form then he presents as a good chance here against those in his own class.
Suggested Bet: DONARDO each way
Quinella: 4x6x7x9
Race 6 LC PAKURANGA HUNT CUP 4900M
All roads lead to the Northern here so again a number of leading contenders on Sunday will be looking for a strong performance in this year’s Hunt Cup.
The improved track conditions likely to prevail on Sunday suggest that the form out of the Hawkes Bay Chase is probably the best to follow. PERRY MASON was dominant in that race and his chasing record is solid. NAPOLEON and DELACROIX were both running on strongly behind Perry Mason last time yet they never really looked likely to close the gap(although there is the famous Ellerslie Hill this time and that may assist them both here). MAGIC WONDER was impressive last time and looks to be on track for the big one and then right down the bottom is SOUTHERN COOL 1 from 1 and the Wheeler trained GRINNER who is making his chasing debut in this rather than the previous race. Finally, one has to make mention of SHAMAL who returns from Australia and the god of the hill WISE MEN SAY; they won’t be going around for fun J
So a very even field here with multiple chances
Suggested Bet: Each Way PERRY MASON with a little saver at odds on GRINNER
Multi: 3-4-6-12-14
GOOD PUNTING
