Te Rapa Race 1
2 Taika
Very tricky edition of the Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle to assess. I've landed on Taika who looks well placed on the minimum with the engagement of stablemate, Nedwin, compressing the weights for the balance of this field. He's had the benefit of a run on the flat earlier this month, which should have him in peak condition for this contest.
Te Rapa Race 2
3 Truth Or Dare
Tip of The Day
I was really impressed by the recent trial win of Truth Or Dare earlier this month here at Te Rapa on a Heavy10 track. He was sent out as a $1.60 favourite on debut as a 2yo, where he was very moderate running 6L 4th. I'm expecting a much improved effort from him first-up as a 3yo, more than happy to be with him in this field.
Te Rapa Race 3
8 Juwala
Very good effort for 5th first-up here in July against better company than what he meets here. His trial on a Heavy10 leading into his resuming run was also impressive to the eye. Now back in maiden grade, he looks a great each way chance in what is an even race.
Te Rapa Race 4
4 Call Me Jack
This is a very hard race to assess for mine and therefore a low confidence betting race. I'm going to forgive Call Me Jack's last start failure on the bottomless Heavy10 conditions at Rotorua. His prior form when besting Interllectus is a better guide for this.
Te Rapa Race 5
4 Enchanted Elle
While Diamond Jak and Hula Beat look the two to beat, I was happier to be with Enchanted Elle at the price. She meets them both much better off at the weights from their last meeting here in July. She handles the Heavy10 going and the services of Triston Moodley will aid her chances.
Te Rapa Race 6
3 Turnmeon
Very difficult race for mine and not a high confidence betting race. Turnmeon has been racing very well of late, with his last start bold effort for 3rd at Ruakaka looking to be a strong guide for this race. He now gets the services of Opie Bosson, which should see him get every chance to run well again.
Te Rapa Race 7
13 Whiskey 'N' Roses
Very strong R65 contest, where I was keen to be with Whiskey 'N' Roses. His trial here on a Heavy10 suggested that he handled the conditions well enough to cope with it on raceday. The way he put a decent field away with something left in the locker suggested this horse would be winning better races than a 65. Assuming he has no issues after being scratched last week, I think he's the horse to beat.
Te Rapa Race 8
13 Skew Wiff
She was 2nd in this race last year before winning the G1 Tarzino Trophy at her next start. Her recent trial behind Sacred Satono was pleasing enough to suggest she could run well again this year. Her chances would be aided if the rain wasn't to come on Saturday and the track was closer to a Heavy8-Heavy9. Gate one and Opie Bosson taking the steer are big ticks in her favour regardless.
Te Rapa Race 9
9 Billy Bunter
Without getting too carried away over trials, Billy Bunter launched late at classy sprinter, Bonny Lass, here on a Heavy10 track earlier this month. 1500m on a rain effected track first-up is probably an ideal kick off point for Billy Bunter. If he doesn't get too far back, watch for him surging over the top late.
Te Rapa Race 10
9 Loch Katrine
Safe to say Maria Sanson hasn't had much luck aboard Loch Katrine of late, with the pair being caught wide without cover their past couple. If Loch Katrine can find a back to follow in the run, she is more than capable of winning this.
