NZ - Avondale - Race 3

Thoroughbred

15 Runners

Maiden

Turf

HEAVY 8

9.7K

VIEW

Verdict

PETITE ROCHER (12) settled too far back at Matamata last time out and got home powerfully late for 2nd. She has Craig Grylls replacing an apprentice this time, and with a more positive ride early on, she is set to post an overdue win. SHUFFLE THE PACK (8) showed ability in her initial prep on wet tracks, and she resumes with Michael McNab in the saddle, who should help offset her wide gate. Follow the market moves. ROBBIE (4) steadily improved in each of his 3 starts in his initial prep last season. He will be a lot stronger now, and if he doesn't need the run, then he is capable of a top three finish in this field. CRACKBONES (1) was put aside after finishing third on a heavy track at Te Aroha late last season. He resumes with 3 trials this year under his belt, and from a good gate, he will be ready to rumble. BUCCINO (7) has been freshened since finishing sixth at Matamata over 7f. She has the pole position and may just be better over 6f for now. Stick with her.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
12	Dual acceptor. Recent form sound. At the latest run 2nd of 10 at Matamata on March 22 over 6f, on a slow track, 4 len behind Rioja with 119lbs at $3.30. The start before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 11 at Te Aroha on March 6 over 5 ¾f, on a slow track, 0.1 len behind Arwen carrying 119lbs at $5.10. Can take this out. 1st Pick 12 Petite Rocher Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Non Runner T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	209	-	-	-	25%	Scratched
Analysis Dual acceptor. Recent form sound. At the latest run 2nd of 10 at Matamata on March 22 over 6f, on a slow track, 4 len behind Rioja with 119lbs at $3.30. The start before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 11 at Te Aroha on March 6 over 5 ¾f, on a slow track, 0.1 len behind Arwen carrying 119lbs at $5.10. Can take this out.
8	Resuming after a three-and-a-half months break. Finished off last campaign third of 11 at Tauranga January 2 over 7f, soft track, 2 len behind Rising Wind carrying 122lbs at $13.10. On debut second last of 7 at Matamata September 12 over 7f, in the wet, 14 len behind Misellabel carrying 122lbs at $12. Winning hope in a suitable contest. 2nd Pick 8 Shuffle The Pack Jockey: Michael Mcnab Trainer: Ralph Manning J: Michael Mcnab T: Ralph Manning	98	-	-	-	29%
Analysis Resuming after a three-and-a-half months break. Finished off last campaign third of 11 at Tauranga January 2 over 7f, soft track, 2 len behind Rising Wind carrying 122lbs at $13.10. On debut second last of 7 at Matamata September 12 over 7f, in the wet, 14 len behind Misellabel carrying 122lbs at $12. Winning hope in a suitable contest.
4	Resuming after a nine months break. Finished off last campaign fifth of 13 at Ruakaka June 28 over 6f, soft track, 1.5 len behind Free Bird with 129lbs at $6.70. On debut sixth of 12 at Pukekohe April 2 2025 over 6f, 2.5 len behind Jack Crabb with 128lbs at $15. Expect a forward showing. 3rd Pick 4 Robbie Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Patsy Riley J: Non Runner T: Patsy Riley	57	-	-	-	16%	Scratched
Analysis Resuming after a nine months break. Finished off last campaign fifth of 13 at Ruakaka June 28 over 6f, soft track, 1.5 len behind Free Bird with 129lbs at $6.70. On debut sixth of 12 at Pukekohe April 2 2025 over 6f, 2.5 len behind Jack Crabb with 128lbs at $15. Expect a forward showing.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Silks

The colorful jacket and cap worn by a jockey which features the design of the owner.

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.

Trifecta

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.