NZ - Matamata - Race 5

Thoroughbred

20 Runners

Maiden

Turf

HEAVY 8

9.8K

VIEW

Verdict

COUNTACH (5) was a beaten short-priced favourite on debut, but he did have an excuse on a poorly prepared waterlogged heavy track at Hastings just over 3 weeks ago. He is big on potential, and he is set to make amends here. Follow your money. GREEK ANTHOLOGY (1) had put together back-to-back minor placings prior to finishing sixth as the favourite at Te Aroha 10 days ago. He will appreciate the return to racing in an anti-clockwise direction, and he can bounce straight back into the money here. Stick with him. THE DARZI (2) came home with a rush along the fence when finishing runner-up by a head at Te Rapa 15 days ago. He cops another wide gate and will be hoping for the gaps to open up at the right time again. Each way value. MIGHTY MACCA (3) has needed both of his runs back from a spell, and he fought well for seventh as the favourite at Hawera last start when copping some early pressure. Don't drop him yet. NO MORE PENNIES (6) has been thereabouts this prep. Include in all bets.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Was well-supported at debut, 4th of 10 at Hastings on May 21 over 7f, on a wet track, 5 len behind Sundown Sav with 127lbs at $2.60. Better for that run and can go on with it. 1st Pick 5 Countach Jockey: Sam Mcnab Trainer: Tony Pike J: Sam Mcnab T: Tony Pike	88	-	-	-	19%	9/2
Analysis Was well-supported at debut, 4th of 10 at Hastings on May 21 over 7f, on a wet track, 5 len behind Sundown Sav with 127lbs at $2.60. Better for that run and can go on with it.
1	Most recently 6th of 14 at Te Aroha on June 4 over 1m, on rain affected going, 5.5 len behind Final Reason with 129lbs at $3.70. The start before that made some head-way from midfield, 2nd of 12 at Wanganui on May 10 over 1m, on a slow track, 0.8 len behind Charlunga carrying 129lbs at $2.40. Leading chance. 2nd Pick 1 Greek Anthology Jockey: Masahiro Hashizume Trainer: Shane Crawford J: Masahiro Hashizume T: Shane Crawford	172	-	-	-	12%	15/2
Analysis Most recently 6th of 14 at Te Aroha on June 4 over 1m, on rain affected going, 5.5 len behind Final Reason with 129lbs at $3.70. The start before that made some head-way from midfield, 2nd of 12 at Wanganui on May 10 over 1m, on a slow track, 0.8 len behind Charlunga carrying 129lbs at $2.40. Leading chance.
2	Had two starts to date. At debut, got back early 9th of 14 at this track on May 13 over 7f, on a slow track, 5.5 len behind Andiamo carrying 129lbs at $11.50. Second-up ran on strongly from last on the turn, 2nd of 14 at Te Rapa on May 30 over 1m, slow going neck behind Not Usual Moana carrying 127lbs at $11.20. Expected to feature. 3rd Pick 2 The Darzi Jockey: Erin M Leighton Trainer: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Erin M Leighton T: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott	182	-	-	-	13%	7/1
Analysis Had two starts to date. At debut, got back early 9th of 14 at this track on May 13 over 7f, on a slow track, 5.5 len behind Andiamo carrying 129lbs at $11.50. Second-up ran on strongly from last on the turn, 2nd of 14 at Te Rapa on May 30 over 1m, slow going neck behind Not Usual Moana carrying 127lbs at $11.20. Expected to feature.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

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.

Sloppy

A wet racetrack condition, typically with a firm base and water settling on top.

Apprentice

A new jockey who has not ridden a certain number of winners in a specified time period.