LOVERACING.NZ Preview - Hawera 7 October
Meeting Overview:
Going: Soft9 (06/10)
Rail: True
The last meeting held here was on September 3 where we raced on a Good4 and the rail was out 4m. The rail goes back to the true position here with the inside 4m not seeing race day action since April. Currently rated a Soft6 with showers forecast overnight, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the track come up a Heavy8 in the morning with the potential of an upgrade through the day back to a Soft7. It looks like we will get a fair track to suit most runners through the day.
Best Bet
Race 5 - #4 COGNITO (Win)
He was strong to the line when finishing 2nd to his Group 1 winning stablemate Romancing The Moon last start at Taupo and rises to 1400m which is ideal for him in this event. With showers forecast overnight; it is a small concern if it gets too wet for him, but I think it will remain in the Soft range which will suit. There is plenty of early speed in this even which will aid his racing pattern, as we will see him settle back early. The $5 opening quote looks like a Christmas present from the TAB.
Next Best
Race 9 - #4 BATTLE SECRET (Win)
Stepping out for his first race day appearance in just under a year, it would be fair to say luck wasn’t with him in the run last start. With a checkered passage at both ends of the straight, he went to the line hard held in 4th just 1.7 lengths from the winner. Stepping out to 2100m here is ideal and he will have the added benefit of the outing last start. While his best form is on Heavy going, he has a win on a Soft track and I think this track will have enough give in it to suit him. The initial price of $6 is already gone and I would suggest he may shorten further yet.
Value Bet
Race 8 - #8 JAY BEE GEE (Each Way)
He may want a bit more moisture in the ground than what he will face in this, but he has been racing in fine form through the winter and meets a field similar to that he has beaten in his 3 most recent wins. The 54.5kg will play a big part in his chances in this and I am pretty confident he will be hard to get past in this race at a nice each way price.
