NZ - Te Rapa - Race 2

Thoroughbred

7 Runners

5.5f

Unknown

Turf

SOFT 5

37.6K

VIEW

Verdict

SWORD OF STARS (4) was no match for a smart type on debut but still finished second, and she would have taken a lot out of that run. She has been given time to get over that hit-out and is poised to go one better here. BUTLER CABIN (2) was third on debut at Otaki and has the breeding to get better with more racing. If not too green, he should go close to winning this. SPELLBOUND (1) has the experience advantage over the top 2 picks, and he was third in the Counties Stakes 3 weeks ago. He can settle just in behind the early pace and should be hitting the line strongly. Hard to beat. FIREBIRD (5) makes her debut off the back of a recent impressive trial win. She has a good draw and is expected to be very competitive. Use the market as the best guide. DASHING DIXIE (6) makes her debut with the advantage of the pole position. She has some good breeding and is in the right stable to be a top 4 chance.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
4	Was well-supported at debut, 2nd in a small field at Ellerslie on October 25 over 5 ½f, on a slow track, 3.5 len behind Harvey Wallbanger carrying 121lbs at $2.80. Will be there at the business end. 1st Pick 4 Sword Of Stars Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Craig Grylls T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	131	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis Was well-supported at debut, 2nd in a small field at Ellerslie on October 25 over 5 ½f, on a slow track, 3.5 len behind Harvey Wallbanger carrying 121lbs at $2.80. Will be there at the business end.
2	Was well in the market at debut, 3rd of 8 at Otaki on November 30 over 5 ½f, 1.1 len behind Kinnaird carrying 123lbs at $4.90. Should come on following that outing and looks a great chance to break through. 2nd Pick 2 Butler Cabin Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Johno Benner J: Non Runner T: Johno Benner	132	-	-	-	1%	1000/1
Analysis Was well in the market at debut, 3rd of 8 at Otaki on November 30 over 5 ½f, 1.1 len behind Kinnaird carrying 123lbs at $4.90. Should come on following that outing and looks a great chance to break through.
1	Raced twice to date. When well in the market at debut, second last in a small field at Otaki on September 26 over 4f, on a wet track, 5 len behind De Armas with 126lbs at $2.70. Last start raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 9 at Pukekohe in the LR Counties Challenge Stakes on November 22 over 5 ½f, slow going 2.25 len behind De Armas with 126lbs at $15.10. Among the chances based on that latest performance. 3rd Pick 1 Spellbound Jockey: George Rooke Trainer: Roger James & Robert Wellwood J: George Rooke T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood	213	-	-	-	43%	11/8
Analysis Raced twice to date. When well in the market at debut, second last in a small field at Otaki on September 26 over 4f, on a wet track, 5 len behind De Armas with 126lbs at $2.70. Last start raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 9 at Pukekohe in the LR Counties Challenge Stakes on November 22 over 5 ½f, slow going 2.25 len behind De Armas with 126lbs at $15.10. Among the chances based on that latest performance.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Also Eligible

A horse that is entered but does not draw into the body of the field due to too many entries, and thus is not permitted to start unless there are enough scratches to shrink the field size.

Objection

Claim of foul lodged by a jockey for perceived dangerous or illegal riding by a rival.

Turf Course

A racetrack made of grass.