NZ - Tauranga - Race 1

Thoroughbred

8 Runners

10.4f

Maiden

Turf

SOFT 6

14.5K

VIEW

Verdict

VENDABELLE (6) has shown ability this season and ran a solid fourth over a mile last time out at Avondale. She tries a middle distance for the first time, and in a modest field, she is the one to beat. ROMANIN (7) steps out to a middle distance for the first time this season, and she won't lack fitness with a 7-day backup. If this race has not come too soon for her, then she can figure in the top 3 here. LASER BEAM (1) had a fairly tough trip and found nothing in the run home at Te Aroha last start. He will be peaking third up, and if he can secure a soft lead, then he could take some pegging back. MOOLOO (8) has run the odd good race in the past, and it will be interesting to see her race on a firmer surface. In this field, she is worth including in all combinations. KENTUCKY SHINE (3) raced greenly on debut over 7f at Avondale, and is bred to relish a longer trip. He won a poly track trial before his first start, and is worth another chance.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
6	Returns from a 36-day let-up. At the latest run 4th of 15 at Avondale on November 6 over 1m, on a slow track, 1.75 len behind Protheatrics with 127lbs at $4.60. The start before that 5th of 14 at Taupo on October 10 over 6 ½f, slow going 5.5 len behind Aksil carrying 125lbs at $10.60. Strong chance to break though. 1st Pick 6 Vendabelle Jockey: Matthew Cameron Trainer: Ken & Bev Kelso J: Matthew Cameron T: Ken & Bev Kelso	96	-	-	-	39%	13/8
Analysis Returns from a 36-day let-up. At the latest run 4th of 15 at Avondale on November 6 over 1m, on a slow track, 1.75 len behind Protheatrics with 127lbs at $4.60. The start before that 5th of 14 at Taupo on October 10 over 6 ½f, slow going 5.5 len behind Aksil carrying 125lbs at $10.60. Strong chance to break though.
7	Last start second last of 10 at Arawa Park on December 5 over 7 ¾f, slow going 5 len behind Orson Stone carrying 125lbs at $15.50. Before that 5th of 10 at Arawa Park on November 16 over 7 ¾f, on a slow track, 4 len behind Ammirati with 125lbs at $13.10. Terrific chance to return to form. 2nd Pick 7 Romanin Jockey: Rory Hutchings Trainer: Steven Ramsay & Julia Ritchie J: Rory Hutchings T: Steven Ramsay & Julia Ritchie	102	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis Last start second last of 10 at Arawa Park on December 5 over 7 ¾f, slow going 5 len behind Orson Stone carrying 125lbs at $15.50. Before that 5th of 10 at Arawa Park on November 16 over 7 ¾f, on a slow track, 4 len behind Ammirati with 125lbs at $13.10. Terrific chance to return to form.
1	Third-up today. First-up rolled along in front before being edged out 3rd of 9 at this track on November 15 over 1 5/16m, on a slow track, 4 len behind Zacabasso carrying 129lbs at $20. Last start struggled in the run home, ran last of 9 at Te Aroha on November 26 over 1m, 17 len behind Khando with 125lbs at $12. Should be cherry ripe third-up and looks very hard to beat. 3rd Pick 1 Laser Beam Jockey: M Hudson Trainer: T R Te Keeti J: M Hudson T: T R Te Keeti	78	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Third-up today. First-up rolled along in front before being edged out 3rd of 9 at this track on November 15 over 1 5/16m, on a slow track, 4 len behind Zacabasso carrying 129lbs at $20. Last start struggled in the run home, ran last of 9 at Te Aroha on November 26 over 1m, 17 len behind Khando with 125lbs at $12. Should be cherry ripe third-up and looks very hard to beat.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Firm

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

Rabbit

Also known as a pacemaker; this is a horse with no expected chance of winning but is used to prompt a quick pace on the front end of the race to the benefit of a stablemate who is a closer.

Bute

Shortened word for phenylbutazone, the common non-steroidal medication legal at most racetrack.