NZ - Gore - Race 9

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

6.6f

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 6

11.6K

VIEW

Verdict

HELLDANCER (11) has found it hard to win another race, and after not firing a shot fresh up as the favourite at Riccarton, she was much better when running on late at Cromwell 3 weeks ago for sixth. She will be at her peak third up, and in an easier field, she is ready to put her best hoof forward. On top. PULL THE PIN (10) finally showed some form this prep when finishing runner-up here 8 days ago over a mile. She won her only race to date over this trip on this course, and she should go close to taking it out. CUPID'S ARROW (9) needed her fresh up run, and then has been a late scratching since that effort nearly 7 weeks ago. If she can run up to her form shown in the North Island, then she can win a race like this. REPROBATE (8) has slowly improved in each of his 2 starts this season, and will be at his peak for this assignment. He won his only start on this course and is worth including in all combos. MR JINGLES (4) cops another wide draw, but can get some of the top 4 here.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
11	Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran last of 15 at Riccarton Park on November 15 over 6f, on heavy track, 6 len behind Pete's Pride carrying 125lbs at $5.20. Second run from a spell 6th of 14 at Cromwell on November 30 over 6f, 11 len behind Palace Princess carrying 123lbs at $9.10. Well placed. Well placed and can return to form. 1st Pick 11 Helldancer Jockey: Triston Moodley Trainer: Brian & Shane Anderton J: Triston Moodley T: Brian & Shane Anderton	104	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran last of 15 at Riccarton Park on November 15 over 6f, on heavy track, 6 len behind Pete's Pride carrying 125lbs at $5.20. Second run from a spell 6th of 14 at Cromwell on November 30 over 6f, 11 len behind Palace Princess carrying 123lbs at $9.10. Well placed. Well placed and can return to form.
10	At the latest run made some head-way from midfield, 2nd of 9 at Ascot Park on December 13 over 1m, on a slow track, 1.5 len behind Flying Dubawi with 120lbs at $5.10. Before that 6th of 13 at Cromwell on November 30 over 7f, 4.5 len behind Quick Tap carrying 120lbs at $32.50. Has ability and can run a forward race. 2nd Pick 10 Pull The Pin Jockey: Corey Campbell Trainer: Jason Coutts J: Corey Campbell T: Jason Coutts	109	-	-	-	20%	4/1
Analysis At the latest run made some head-way from midfield, 2nd of 9 at Ascot Park on December 13 over 1m, on a slow track, 1.5 len behind Flying Dubawi with 120lbs at $5.10. Before that 6th of 13 at Cromwell on November 30 over 7f, 4.5 len behind Quick Tap carrying 120lbs at $32.50. Has ability and can run a forward race.
9	Second run back. Comes off a 47-day let-up. First-up after nine months 9th of 16 at Wingatui on November 4 over 7f, 8 len behind Afire with 125lbs at $13.90. Previously second-up 8th of 13 at Te Aroha on December 8 2024 over 1m, on a slow track, 3.5 len behind Hammer Time with 125lbs at $20.80. Fitter for that run and expected to be in the finish this time. 3rd Pick 9 Cupid's Arrow Jockey: Billy Jacobson Trainer: Steven Prince J: Billy Jacobson T: Steven Prince	64	-	-	-	9%	11/1
Analysis Second run back. Comes off a 47-day let-up. First-up after nine months 9th of 16 at Wingatui on November 4 over 7f, 8 len behind Afire with 125lbs at $13.90. Previously second-up 8th of 13 at Te Aroha on December 8 2024 over 1m, on a slow track, 3.5 len behind Hammer Time with 125lbs at $20.80. Fitter for that run and expected to be in the finish this time.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Pari-Mutuel

A pool style wagering system, where all money input through betting is divided among those with winning tickets (save for various deductions by the track operators).

Handicap

A race where a handicapper has assigned weights to be carried by all runners on the basis of their past racing efforts.

Dead Heat

Two or more horses finishing so close at the wire, that they were unable to be separated on a photo finish and deemed to have tied.