NZ - Matamata - Race 8

Thoroughbred

16 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

HEAVY 8

14.6K

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Verdict

ONE TRUE KING (11) broke his maiden at Riccarton in only his second start in the spring, and then was a beaten favourite at his next start there before having a spell. He resumes with a recent trial to sharpen him up under his belt, and with any luck from his wide gate, he should be hard to hold out in this. GENEVA (6) was beaten but far from disgraced when finishing midfield in the G2 Levin Classic at Trentham 18 days ago. The key here is the extra furlong, and back at this level, he can figure in the top 3, especially with the winkers on for the first time. CROWN PRINCESS (12) won a trial before not racing up to expectations as the favourite fresh up here nearly 5 weeks ago. She strips fitter and can make amends. Follow your money. CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE (8) made the most of a good ride when scoring her maiden win at Tauranga nearly 3 weeks ago. She cops another wide gate, but is still worth including in all top 4 combos. EVER CHARM (4) will be peaking third up, and is not out of this.

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Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
11	Resuming after a ten weeks break. Finished off last preparation ninth of 18 at Riccarton Park November 12 over 1m, soft track, 4.5 len behind Eight Pence with 126lbs at $4.90. On debut third of 14 at Ashburton October 11 over 7f, a head behind Shakabrah with 123lbs at $17.70. Everything points to a bright return. 1st Pick 11 One True King Jockey: Opie Bosson Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Opie Bosson T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	125	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Resuming after a ten weeks break. Finished off last preparation ninth of 18 at Riccarton Park November 12 over 1m, soft track, 4.5 len behind Eight Pence with 126lbs at $4.90. On debut third of 14 at Ashburton October 11 over 7f, a head behind Shakabrah with 123lbs at $17.70. Everything points to a bright return.
6	At the latest run 7th of 14 at Trentham in the G2 Levin Classic on January 3 over 7f, slow going 4.5 len behind La Dorada with 126lbs at $47.20. The race before that 5th of 11 at this track on December 19 over 7f, on a slow track, 1.5 len behind Transaction carrying 127lbs at $4.40. Capable of sharp improvement. 2nd Pick 6 Geneva Jockey: Matt Cartwright Trainer: Kylie Hoskin J: Matt Cartwright T: Kylie Hoskin	112	-	-	-	29%	5/2
Analysis At the latest run 7th of 14 at Trentham in the G2 Levin Classic on January 3 over 7f, slow going 4.5 len behind La Dorada with 126lbs at $47.20. The race before that 5th of 11 at this track on December 19 over 7f, on a slow track, 1.5 len behind Transaction carrying 127lbs at $4.40. Capable of sharp improvement.
12	Second run back. First-up after a year from last on the turn 9th of 11 at this track on December 19 over 7f, slow going 3.5 len behind Transaction with 126lbs at $3.90. Previously second-up favourite, won by 4.5 len at Arawa Park December 28 2024 over 7 ¾f defeating Golden Century carrying 121lbs at $3.20. Plenty of improvement to come. 3rd Pick 12 Crown Princess Jockey: Hayley Hassman Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Hayley Hassman T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	105	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Second run back. First-up after a year from last on the turn 9th of 11 at this track on December 19 over 7f, slow going 3.5 len behind Transaction with 126lbs at $3.90. Previously second-up favourite, won by 4.5 len at Arawa Park December 28 2024 over 7 ¾f defeating Golden Century carrying 121lbs at $3.20. Plenty of improvement to come.

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

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A racing surface comprised of silica sand and fibers, such as recycled carpet or spandex. The mixture is then sealed with wax.

Tack

The equipment the horse wears, including saddle and bridle. A jockey typically has their own racing saddle, placed on each horse they ride just before the race.