PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Watch Out 

The step up from maiden grade on the synthetic to a R65 on the turf proved to be no issue for this progressive lightly tried 4yo mare. After breaking the clock late on debut when closing out her race in 32.52s for the last 600m, there was an expectation Watch Out would be hard to beat wherever she lined up next. After settling close to the rear of the field throughout, Watch Out was held up in the early stages of the home straight. Once Jasmine Fawcett spied a gap and got clear running, Watch Out let down powerfully and put her opposition away under hands and heels.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Tegan Newman – Modernise

A positive ride from the wide gate (12) saw Tegan Newman and Modernise slot into a perfect trailing position one out and one back just off the early speed. The rest of this race couldn’t have been an easier watch for backers of Modernise at the $12 quote, with Tegan Newman having a lap full of horse when allowing Modernise to slide three-wide before the bend. Modernise and Tegan Newman proceeded to sail away from their opposition down the straight, clearing out for a 5.5L victory on the line. Tegan is riding full of confidence at the moment, and this was another top ride from her here aboard Modernise.

Race 2 New Plymouth, 8 June

Tsunami

Big fan of the way this daughter of Ocean Park closed off her race behind Belladonna Lily on Thursday. Sectionally, she was very good late, however, her tendency to be slow away proved costly yet again. Given this was only her second run back since October 2021, it’s safe to say there should be plenty of improvement left in her, especially when she gets over further than the 1400m. The wet tracks look to suit, expect her to pick one up in the near future over the Winter.

Race 3 Ruakaka, 10 June 

Alchemia

In a race where many struggled to make ground, Alchemia was exceptional given the circumstances. She recorded the fastest closing 800m, 600m, 400m, and 200m of the race, despite Kelsey Hannan reporting Alchemia’s action to be indifferent over the concluding stages, consequently she was found to be lame. With those factors taken into consideration, she was extremely brave to be only beaten 1.7L. She does require veterinary clearance prior to racing next, however, she looks awfully hard to beat when she returns to the races.

Race 2 Ruakaka, 10 June

Chevron

Chevron was simply a tragedy beaten in Race 2 from Ruakaka on Saturday. Having secured an economical trailing position throughout, Tegan Newman steered for an inside run early in the straight, which closed shortly after. The next gap didn’t open for the pair until the race was already over, with Chevron charging through the line and being in front not far beyond it. Given that was Chevron’s first run since October 2022, over a distance well short of his best, he looks to have come back in great order and is one to follow once he gets over further this campaign.