NZ - Ashburton - Race 5

Thoroughbred

18 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

GOOD 4

10.9K

VIEW

Verdict

BOSS 'N' HIGHHEELS (6) needed her first run in the South Island when finishing a disappointing eighth as a warm favourite here nearly 3 weeks ago, following on from an impressive Timaru trial win before that. She cops a wide gate, but will find this easier, and she is worth another chance. DISCRETION RULES (1) resumed with a fair effort at TAuherenikau nearly 5 weeks ago, and is returning to the Walker/Bergerson yard in the South Island. He has a handy gate, and Bruno Queiroz replaces an apprentice, so stick with him on an each-way basis, especially on a wet track. HOLDEM (7) was a quick improver when finishing third at Riccarton and has been given more than 8 weeks to get over that effort. If not in need of the run, he can figure in the top 4 again. DRAGON BISCUIT (2) has been thereabouts off some tough draws this season, and with the aid of a 7lbs claim, he is worth including in all combos. LEINSTER (11) is much better than his for reads. Don't drop him yet. Each way value.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
6	Second-up today. Last run 8th of 11 at this track on February 20 over 6f, on a slow track, 8 len behind Pizarro with 119lbs at $2.80. At only start last preparation 9th of 13 at Tauranga on November 15 over 6f, slow going 6 len behind Charmrose carrying 120lbs at $15.30. Expect a far better result this time. 1st Pick 6 Boss 'n' Highheels Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Terri Rae J: Non Runner T: Terri Rae	115	-	-	-	1%	Scratched
Analysis Second-up today. Last run 8th of 11 at this track on February 20 over 6f, on a slow track, 8 len behind Pizarro with 119lbs at $2.80. At only start last preparation 9th of 13 at Tauranga on November 15 over 6f, slow going 6 len behind Charmrose carrying 120lbs at $15.30. Expect a far better result this time.
1	Second-up. First-up after 10 months eased back early on 6th of 8 at Tauherenikau on February 6 over 5f, slow going 4.5 len behind Finest Hour with 129lbs at $9.20. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 at Wingatui on January 18 2025 over 6f, 2.25 len behind Show Pony with 128lbs at $2.90. Winning claims if anywhere near his best. 2nd Pick 1 Discretion Rules Jockey: Bruno Queiroz Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Bruno Queiroz T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	116	-	-	-	17%
Analysis Second-up. First-up after 10 months eased back early on 6th of 8 at Tauherenikau on February 6 over 5f, slow going 4.5 len behind Finest Hour with 129lbs at $9.20. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 at Wingatui on January 18 2025 over 6f, 2.25 len behind Show Pony with 128lbs at $2.90. Winning claims if anywhere near his best.
7	Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Freshened for 57 days. First-up second last of 10 at Phar Lap Racecourse on December 28 over 6f, slow going 4.5 len behind Second Chance with 119lbs at $9.10. Second run from a spell 3rd of 14 at Riccarton Park on January 14 over 6f, on a slow track, 2.25 len behind Pizarro carrying 126lbs at $8. Fitter now and making headway. Sure to prove tough to beat. 3rd Pick 7 Holdem Jockey: Amber Riddell Trainer: Meg Cunneen J: Amber Riddell T: Meg Cunneen	65	-	-	-	15%
Analysis Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Freshened for 57 days. First-up second last of 10 at Phar Lap Racecourse on December 28 over 6f, slow going 4.5 len behind Second Chance with 119lbs at $9.10. Second run from a spell 3rd of 14 at Riccarton Park on January 14 over 6f, on a slow track, 2.25 len behind Pizarro carrying 126lbs at $8. Fitter now and making headway. Sure to prove tough to beat.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Underlay

A horse that is going off at lower odds than it deserves based on performance.

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A medication for the treatment of bleeding in horses that is legal in North America, but not all worldwide jurisdictions.

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A wager picking the first, second and third horses in the exact order. A trifecta box means paying more to ensure the horses can finish in any order in the top three spots.