NZ - Matamata - Race 3

Thoroughbred

20 Runners

Maiden

Turf

HEAVY 8

9.8K

VIEW

Verdict

OCEAN OPAL (6) is a promising filly who has been well looked after with just 3 career starts to her name, including a fresh-up second by a neck at Tauranga on good ground just over 2 weeks ago when sent out as the favourite. She strips fitter, and can go one better here. Follow your money. SILKY SHUBA (7) had no luck off a wide trip at Te Rapa last time out, and she cops an even worse draw here. She is capable and only needs the right run to be a top 4 hope. SALTBURN (1) probably should have won a race by now, and he could be suited by being kept to these shorter trips for now. He is deep into this prep and should be right in the finish here. CADAQUES (5) was well in the market and only battled on a very testing heavy track at Hastings on debut, and he will be better off with that experience. A firmer surface will help, and he is worth each-way consideration. CLASSIC GRACE (9) is a lightly tried 6YO mare who ran her best race yet when finishing third at Tauranga last start. Each way.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
6	Second-up. First-up after three months 2nd of 9 at Tauranga on May 29 over 6f, long-neck behind Deviation carrying 122lbs at $3.80. Previously second-up 3rd of 11 at Pukekohe on March 13 over 6f, on a slow track, 5.5 len behind Thumbelina with 126lbs at $4.70. Sure to be right there at the business end. 1st Pick 6 Ocean Opal Jockey: George Rooke Trainer: Stephen Marsh J: George Rooke T: Stephen Marsh	175	-	-	-	25%	3/1
Analysis Second-up. First-up after three months 2nd of 9 at Tauranga on May 29 over 6f, long-neck behind Deviation carrying 122lbs at $3.80. Previously second-up 3rd of 11 at Pukekohe on March 13 over 6f, on a slow track, 5.5 len behind Thumbelina with 126lbs at $4.70. Sure to be right there at the business end.
7	Last start 7th of 9 at Te Rapa on May 30 over 6f, on a slow track, 5.5 len behind Lumbridge Castle with 125lbs at $4.50. The start before that 6th of 12 at Ellerslie on May 16 over 6f, on a slow track, 5 len behind Armagh with 125lbs at $4.20. Can turn things around. 2nd Pick 7 Silky Shuba Jockey: Unknown Jockey Trainer: Stephen Marsh J: Unknown Jockey T: Stephen Marsh	209	-	-	-	8%	13/1
Analysis Last start 7th of 9 at Te Rapa on May 30 over 6f, on a slow track, 5.5 len behind Lumbridge Castle with 125lbs at $4.50. The start before that 6th of 12 at Ellerslie on May 16 over 6f, on a slow track, 5 len behind Armagh with 125lbs at $4.20. Can turn things around.
1	At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 12 at Wanganui on May 30 over 6 ¾f, slow going 7 len behind Sworn carrying 127lbs at $11.10. Before that crossed from a wide gate to lead but couldn't hold on when 3rd of 14 at this track on May 13 over 7f, slow going 2 len behind Priovita carrying 127lbs at $6.60. Well-placed and a big chance to atone. 3rd Pick 1 Saltburn Jockey: Sam Mcnab Trainer: Josh King & Maija Vance J: Sam Mcnab T: Josh King & Maija Vance	129	-	-	-	5%	20/1
Analysis At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 12 at Wanganui on May 30 over 6 ¾f, slow going 7 len behind Sworn carrying 127lbs at $11.10. Before that crossed from a wide gate to lead but couldn't hold on when 3rd of 14 at this track on May 13 over 7f, slow going 2 len behind Priovita carrying 127lbs at $6.60. Well-placed and a big chance to atone.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Superfecta

A wager involving choosing the first, second, third, and fourth horses in one race in the exact order. A superfecta box involves paying more to ensure they can finish in any order in the top four spots.

Daily Double

A wager on two consecutive races on the card where bettors have to pick both winners.

Mare

A female horse of five years or more.