NZ - Te Aroha - Race 5

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

5.7f

OPEN

Turf

SOFT 5

24.0K

VIEW

Verdict

POKURU GOLD (4) went down fighting last start when beaten by a short-head into second over 6 ½f at Ellerslie 16 days ago. He has won 4 of his 8 starts over this more suitable shorter trip, and he can go one better, especially if the track is heavy. TRISTAR (9) ran below market expectations when fourth over 6f at Te Rapa last time, finishing fourth, and 2 lengths from the winner. This is her pet trip, and she can break her win drought in this. Follow your money. GOSPODIN (5) has been finding it hard to break through, but was not far away at Te Rapa a month ago over the mile after looming into the race on the turn. The drop back to a sprint trip could be the key, and off a likely strong tempo, he can have the last say. CLEAT (3) led all the way to beat 4 others over this trip fresh up on this track and then weakened out of it at Te Rapa over 1m last time out. He is worth another chance back to this trip. FORCE OF NATURE (2) will be peaking third up, and he is ready to rumble.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
4	Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 4th of 12 at Ellerslie on April 18 over 6f, slow going 1.5 len behind Charmrose with 128lbs at $4.20. Second run from a spell 2nd of 11 at Ellerslie on May 16 over 6 ½f, on a slow track, 0.2 len behind Yaldi carrying 123lbs at $6. Will take plenty of beating. 1st Pick 4 Pokuru Gold Jockey: Hayley Hassman Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Hayley Hassman T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	296	-	-	-	17%	5/1
Analysis Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 4th of 12 at Ellerslie on April 18 over 6f, slow going 1.5 len behind Charmrose with 128lbs at $4.20. Second run from a spell 2nd of 11 at Ellerslie on May 16 over 6 ½f, on a slow track, 0.2 len behind Yaldi carrying 123lbs at $6. Will take plenty of beating.
9	Returns from a 30-day let-up. Last start 4th of 8 at Te Rapa on May 2 over 6f, on a slow track, 2 len behind Vegas Queen with 119lbs at $2.90. The run before that 2nd of 10 at Te Rapa on April 17 over 6f, on rain affected going, 0.3 len behind Miss Bo Peep carrying 123lbs at $3.70. Major player. 2nd Pick 9 Tristar Jockey: Matt Cartwright Trainer: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Matt Cartwright T: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott	142	-	-	-	15%	6/1
Analysis Returns from a 30-day let-up. Last start 4th of 8 at Te Rapa on May 2 over 6f, on a slow track, 2 len behind Vegas Queen with 119lbs at $2.90. The run before that 2nd of 10 at Te Rapa on April 17 over 6f, on rain affected going, 0.3 len behind Miss Bo Peep carrying 123lbs at $3.70. Major player.
5	Returns from a 30-day let-up. Last start 5th of 15 at Te Rapa on May 2 over 1m, slow going 2.75 len behind Financier with 131lbs at $10.50. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 10 at Te Rapa on April 25 over 7f, on a slow track, 1.75 len behind Talisker carrying 126lbs at $9.30. Nicely placed and is right in the mix. 3rd Pick 5 Gospodin Jockey: Ashlee Strawbridge Trainer: J C Pender J: Ashlee Strawbridge T: J C Pender	125	-	-	-	12%	15/2
Analysis Returns from a 30-day let-up. Last start 5th of 15 at Te Rapa on May 2 over 1m, slow going 2.75 len behind Financier with 131lbs at $10.50. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 10 at Te Rapa on April 25 over 7f, on a slow track, 1.75 len behind Talisker carrying 126lbs at $9.30. Nicely placed and is right in the mix.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Colt

A male horse that is four years of age or under.

Breeder

The owner of a horse’s dam – or mother - at the time a horse is foaled.

Firm

A dry turf course, equal to a ‘fast’ dirt track.