Meeting Overview:

Going: Soft 7 (as at 15/09)

Rail: Out 3m

The rail moves out 3m from when we were last at Te Rapa on Foxbridge Plate Day (26 August), where we raced on a Soft 7. With the rail out 3m here, I think the track could play in the favour of the leaders or those in the first half of the field for our flat races. With a clear looking forecast, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the track back to a Soft 6 come Sunday, which will be a key factor for consideration in our jump’s features, both the Great Northern Steeplechase and Hurdle.

Best Bet

Race 5 - #5 TURN THE ACE (Win)

It’s hard to deny the son of Turn Me Loose’ rise through the grades this winter has been impressive. A winner at three of his last four outings, Turn The Ace has a great Te Rapa record (8:5-0-0) and 1600m record (4:2-0-0). While there are some classy Group 1 performers in this event, I am confident Turn The Ace possesses the race fitness, and with the 2kg claim of Elen Nicholas, he has to carry just 52.5kg making him a serious chance. He maps to get a cozy run from gate 3 and the $2.80 on opening is as short as I’d like to see, I think we will see him winning.

Next Best

Race 9 - #12 SACRED SATONO (Win)

Another strong field for the PS Brown Construction Sprint Handicap. We have to go right to the bottom of the book to find the one I am with, your race favourite, Sacred Satono. The 4YO has posted two fantastic trials so far this prep and looks ready to fire in a big way this prep, one that I expect to see take him to Group 1 level here in New Zealand. While it may look like he didn’t show up in Sydney in the Autumn, he was just 4.5 lengths of Aft Cabin at his last outing on a Heavy track. The drying Te Rapa track on Sunday will suit him and with a 54kg Michael McNab onboard, he is a serious threat here.

Race 10 - #3 CONWAY O’CEIRIN (Each Way)

Put a line through his last start. With no luck at all until he gets a split inside the 200m mark, he managed to rattle off the fastest closing 400m & 200m sectionals of the race. Connections have been very patient with this 5YO who has had just 3 race day starts and I think they are about to be rewarded. While he still appears to be piecing it all together, I think he has some serious ability. The steep rise to 1600m isn’t ideal but the in-form Robbie Patterson stable will have him ready to go a big race.