Te Aroha Race 1
1 What A Yarn
What A Yarn (#1) resumes here after finishing 4th on the Synthetic back in June. His recent trial was reasonable, closing off well into 3rd under urging. Craig Grylls takes the reins from a handy draw, and he finds a very suitable first-up assignment to kick off his campaign.
Te Aroha Race 2
1 Charlemagne
Charlemagne (#1) has shown glimpses of ability this prep, often racing well without quite breaking through. He steps into a very winnable maiden staying event and retains Joe Doyle in the saddle. Should be suited better than most by the better conditions underfoot. Shapes as the horse to beat.
Te Aroha Race 3
7 Avantaggia
Royally bred 3yo Avantaggia (#7) showed good early speed on debut before battling late to finish 4th. She'll have taken improvement from that debut outing and now draws ideally on the fence with Opie Bosson staying aboard. Expect her to hold a forward spot and prove tough to beat.
Te Aroha Race 4
13 Waiata
Waiata (#13) resumes after a luckless run at Te Rapa back in January. Her latest trial was excellent, suggesting she's come back in good order. From the low draw, she should hold a spot forward of midfield and run a bold race in a fresh state.
Te Aroha Race 5
16 Billy Blinx
Billy Blinx (#16) is a triple acceptor who looks ideally placed if connections take this option. His first-up effort at Te Rapa, where he ran 2nd behind Transcend after laying in for most of the straight, was full of merit. The side winkers go on, and he appears well suited up to 1400m and going right-handed. Looks the one to beat back in maiden grade.
Te Aroha Race 6
10 Mizzette
Mizzette (#10) found the line strongly in the Sunline Vase last start and now drops back to maiden company. Blinkers are applied for this, and she should appreciate both the class drop and the roomy long straight at Te Aroha. Expect her to settle near the rear and finish powerfully down the outer.
Te Aroha Race 7
11 Luvabeel
Luvabeel (#11) went under as a short-priced favourite last start but simply didn't handle the Heavy ground. Back on much firmer footing here and the additional 200m is another plus. Opie Bosson sticks from a soft draw, and she maps to get the perfect run in transit. Expecting sharp improvement, clearly the one to beat.
Te Aroha Race 8
9 Way Out West
Way Out West (#9) took a good step forward last start, staying on well for 5th. Steps out over a mile now and retains the services of Matt Cameron. In a very even R65 field, he's a leading contender.
Te Aroha Race 9
9 Miss Madridista
Miss Madridista (#9) resumes here, and she hasn't been seen publicly since March. She's a natural on-pace runner and, from a wide gate over 1150m, should look to press forward under Matt Cameron. If she crosses and finds the front, she'll be hard to reel in.
Te Aroha Race 10
10 Haughty
Haughty (#10) was well below expectations last time in a stronger R65 field. Her prior maiden win was dominant, and she now finds a softer target. Back to 2200m looks ideal, and from a low draw she can be ridden quietly and look to round out her race strongly. A genuine each-way hope to finish the day.
