NZ - Tauranga - Race 1

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

Maiden

Turf

HEAVY 10

11.3K

VIEW

Verdict

MERRIAMA (5) ran a top race on debut when third, and then was put aside after weakening out of it in her last start in the spring. She won the latest of a couple of tune-up trials this year, and in a thin field, she will be the one to beat. LOMASI (8) battled away fairly well on debut at Matamata nearly 2 weeks ago, and dropping back 1f on a relatively quick backup won't bother her. A good draw should see her figure in the top 4 this time. THE WEEKEND (11) makes his debut as a late-season juvenile, and he has drawn the coveted pole position. He is bred to cope with a wet track, and any market support will be our best guide. CASA RUBICK (3) did nothing when trained in Hong Kong, and he could improve under NZ training conditions. A recent third at the trials should ensure that he will be ready to rumble fresh. Check the market. TASSELS (6) caught the eye on debut when finishing fifth, and she won't have to improve by much to be an each-way threat in this. Each way.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Resuming after a eight months break. Finished off last preparation 12th of 14 at Avondale November 6 over 7f, soft track, 7 len behind Zerre with 121lbs at $4.40. On debut third of 9 at Matamata October 17 over 6f, on heavy track, 0.9 len behind Halo's Fire with 122lbs at $8.30. Looks forward enough after a recent trial win. Expected to feature. 1st Pick 5 Merriama Jockey: Courtney Barnes Trainer: Kylie Hoskin J: Courtney Barnes T: Kylie Hoskin	62	-	-	-	10%	10/1
Analysis Resuming after a eight months break. Finished off last preparation 12th of 14 at Avondale November 6 over 7f, soft track, 7 len behind Zerre with 121lbs at $4.40. On debut third of 9 at Matamata October 17 over 6f, on heavy track, 0.9 len behind Halo's Fire with 122lbs at $8.30. Looks forward enough after a recent trial win. Expected to feature.
8	At debut, 7th of 12 at Matamata on June 14 over 7f, slow going 5.5 len behind Dare To Proisir carrying 122lbs at $11.80. Expect a bold showing. 2nd Pick 8 Lomasi Jockey: Unknown Jockey Trainer: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Unknown Jockey T: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott	97	-	-	-	9%	11/1
Analysis At debut, 7th of 12 at Matamata on June 14 over 7f, slow going 5.5 len behind Dare To Proisir carrying 122lbs at $11.80. Expect a bold showing.
11	Gelding by Circus Maximus facing the starter for the first time. Trial form indicates he's up to a solid debut. Ran 3rd in an Avondale trial over 4f on June 16. Looks set to run well. 3rd Pick 11 The Weekend Jockey: George Rooke Trainer: Andrew Forsman J: George Rooke T: Andrew Forsman	66	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis Gelding by Circus Maximus facing the starter for the first time. Trial form indicates he's up to a solid debut. Ran 3rd in an Avondale trial over 4f on June 16. Looks set to run well.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Yielding

A rain-soaked turf condition often producing a slick or heavy course and slower finish times.

Exercise Rider

A rider built much like a jockey but is employed for exercising and working out horses in the morning.

Bug

An apprentice jockey.