Pukekohe Race 1
13 Queen Zou
OpenRace time: 05:50 pm, 22 Nov 2024
Queen Zou was strong through the line first-up at Tauranga. The blinkers now go on second-up and Michael McNab sticks. She demolished her rivals last campaign when the blinkers went on for the first time also. The wide barrier (12) will see her requiring some luck in running, can go close if she gets it.
Pukekohe Race 2
7 McGrath
McGrath was stiff not to win at Ellerslie last start, where he was looming late before the rider dropped the reins at the 150m, couple with the eventual winner shifting out into his line late in proceedings. A senior rider now goes on third-up from a low draw (4) and he now has the long 520m Pukekohe straight which will give him plenty of time to wind up.
Pukekohe Race 3
5 Return To Conquer
2yo Snitzel colt who has won all three of his trials leading into his debut. The low draw (2) should see him handy to the speed and will likely prove very hard to beat. Happy to take the $2 at publish, I can see him starting much closer to $1.60.
Pukekohe Race 4
14 Doddle
Doddle couldn't have been much more impressive without winning in her two runs back this time in. She now steps up to 2100m third-up and gets the services of Matt Cartwright. The wide draw (18) is an obvious concern, however, she was likely to get back regardless. If she can get some luck in running and a genuine tempo, she will be thereabouts in this field.
Pukekohe Race 5
8 About Time
About Time ran very well last start at Tauranga, where she was forced to sustain a long run wide out and kept coming on the line. She stays at the 1600m here and if Warren Kennedy can get some cover from the wider draw (12), I thought she was a very good each way play in this.
Pukekohe Race 6
6 Luberon
Luberon has returned in great order this time in, winning impressively in each of her two starts this campaign. She gets into this race on the minimum with 53kg and the inside gate to work with also. She maps to tag Crocetti throughout, which likely sees her trailing or three back the fence if Babylon Berlin was to cross Crocetti. Very easy to like Luberon with two good wins under her belt this campaign, whilst many of her opposition have question marks as to where they're at.
Pukekohe Race 7
1 Pericles
Pericles was underwhelming last start at Ellerslie, where he looked to have few excuses outside of the fact he raced keenly at times. I'm willing to forgive that run given he went very well first-up behind Luberon prior. The wide draw (20) will require a very crafty ride from Vinnie Colgan. If he can find a back to follow, the $12 at publish will look significant overs.
Pukekohe Race 8
4 Terra Mitica
Terra Mitica turned in a much improved run for 3rd last start off the back of some very moderate form prior. The step up to 2000m helped and an additional 100m here should only aid her chances further. Warren Kennedy hops back aboard and she should be in the finish again at an each way price.
Pukekohe Race 9
1 La Crique
Tip of The Day
La Crique is a classy mare who resumed in good fashion behind Wild Night at Tauranga under a 60.5kg impost after Ngakau Hailey's claim. Now back against her own sex and also under WFA conditions, she looks much better placed to find winning form. Michael McNab takes the reins and while she has drawn wide (14), I think she can account for this field. Best bet.
Pukekohe Race 10
11 Eyesonlyonme
Eyesonlyonme is resuming for local trainer, Nigel Tiley. She's a lightly tried 6yo mare who has shown very good ability on occasions and has shown in the past she races well in a fresh state. Michael McNab rides from the inside barrier draw, expect to see her settling just off the leaders and waiting for the gaps to open up turning in.
