NZ - Matamata - Race 1

Thoroughbred

11 Runners

Unknown

Turf

HEAVY 9

14.6K

VIEW

Verdict

MILLE GRAZIE (2) is fast running out of excuses for us, but will meet another very average field here. A firmer surface could possibly be the key, and this could be the day that she scores an overdue second career win. TROUVAILLE (4) battled on stoutly for fifth fresh up at Arawa Park just over 3 weeks ago, and his only career win has come second up in the past. He has a good gate and can figure in the top 3 here. CAMACHO (5) made some progress when last tried well over a year ago. He has had a couple of recent trials to help him get fit, and the market will be the best guide. CALL ME A CAB (9) was narrowly beaten at Ruakaka 15 days ago when finishing fourth. He appears to have some upside, and even though he is still a maiden, he can be competitive in this field. Top 4 claims again. KAIMAI WARRIOR (7) needed his fresh-up run at Te Aroha on a heavy track earlier in the month at this level, and he should be a lot sharper with that effort under his belt. Stick with him.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
2	Racing well recently. Most recently 4th of 8 at Te Aroha on January 3 over 7f, on heavy track, 2.75 len behind Small Town Girl carrying 128lbs at $2.70. Can turn things around. 1st Pick 2 Mille Grazie Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Samantha Logan J: Non Runner T: Samantha Logan	205	-	-	-	23%	Scratched
Analysis Racing well recently. Most recently 4th of 8 at Te Aroha on January 3 over 7f, on heavy track, 2.75 len behind Small Town Girl carrying 128lbs at $2.70. Can turn things around.
4	Second run back. First-up after three months 5th of 13 at Arawa Park on December 27 over 7f, on a slow track, 3.5 len behind Timbuctoo carrying 127lbs at $10.50. Fitter and looks set to improve sharply. 2nd Pick 4 Trouvaille Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Simon & Katrina Alexander J: Non Runner T: Simon & Katrina Alexander	104	-	-	-	13%	Scratched
Analysis Second run back. First-up after three months 5th of 13 at Arawa Park on December 27 over 7f, on a slow track, 3.5 len behind Timbuctoo carrying 127lbs at $10.50. Fitter and looks set to improve sharply.
5	Gelding back from a spell of 14 months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last campaign second of 10 at Te Aroha Rating 60 November 12 2024 over 1m, 0.8 len behind Because carrying 122lbs at $6.90. Looks all set for a bright return. 3rd Pick 5 Camacho Jockey: Tayla Mitchell Trainer: Ms D Kennedy J: Tayla Mitchell T: Ms D Kennedy	53	-	-	-	23%
Analysis Gelding back from a spell of 14 months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last campaign second of 10 at Te Aroha Rating 60 November 12 2024 over 1m, 0.8 len behind Because carrying 122lbs at $6.90. Looks all set for a bright return.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

State-Bred

A horse bred in a particular state and thus eligible to race in restricted state-bred races. These can be anything from maiden races to stakes events.

Bute

Shortened word for phenylbutazone, the common non-steroidal medication legal at most racetrack.

Scratch

A horse is a scratch when injury or other necessity causes it to be withdrawn from the race.