NZ - Te Rapa - Race 5

Thoroughbred

12 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

HEAVY 9

20.4K

VIEW

Verdict

SKATTEBO (2) held on for a tough win at Waverley 3 weeks ago to make it 3 wins from just 5 starts, and each time he has paid good money. He was scratched last week due to a wide gate, and from a handy draw here, he can repeat the dose, especially with the aid of a 9lbs claim. LOTUS (1) has not won for some time and was a game runner-up by a neck here 3 weeks ago. She is facing a similar set up in this, and she has to be among the hardest to beat again. SENSE OF TIMING (5) is heading the right way with her form, and ran on strongly to finish third in the same race as the second pick last time out. Michael McNab sticks with him, and so do we. EIZUS (9) will be at her peak fitness fourth up from a spell, and his stable has a good record when trekking their team to this track. Stick with her on an each-way basis. PEGASUS (6) made the most of a good ride when winning at Matamata nearly 6 weeks ago. He is up in class, but down in weight, and is worth following. Each way.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
2	At the latest run won by a head at Waverley July 4 over 1 m on a soft track defeating Jungle Love with 125lbs at $10.20. The race before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 13 at Wanganui on June 13 over 6 ¾f, slow going 0.9 len behind Belzoni with 128lbs at $10.80. Rates highly here and can measure up. 1st Pick 2 Skattebo Jockey: Tom Wigram Trainer: Janelle Millar J: Tom Wigram T: Janelle Millar	128	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis At the latest run won by a head at Waverley July 4 over 1 m on a soft track defeating Jungle Love with 125lbs at $10.20. The race before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 13 at Wanganui on June 13 over 6 ¾f, slow going 0.9 len behind Belzoni with 128lbs at $10.80. Rates highly here and can measure up.
1	Last start ran on from midfield, 2nd of 12 at this track on July 4 over 7f, on rain affected going, long-neck behind Ribkraka carrying 123lbs at $4.40. The start before that 8th of 14 at Arawa Park in the LR Rotorua Cup on May 9 over 1m, on rain affected going, 6 len behind Pacifico with 117lbs at $8.40. Hard to beat in this. 2nd Pick 1 Lotus Jockey: Hayley Hassman Trainer: Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall J: Hayley Hassman T: Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall	161	-	-	-	15%	6/1
Analysis Last start ran on from midfield, 2nd of 12 at this track on July 4 over 7f, on rain affected going, long-neck behind Ribkraka carrying 123lbs at $4.40. The start before that 8th of 14 at Arawa Park in the LR Rotorua Cup on May 9 over 1m, on rain affected going, 6 len behind Pacifico with 117lbs at $8.40. Hard to beat in this.
5	Recent form sound. At the latest run 3rd of 12 at this track on July 4 over 7f, on a wet track, 1.1 len behind Ribkraka with 125lbs at $8.40. The start before that 4th of 12 at Otaki on May 16 over 7f, slow going 4 len behind Dollybird with 122lbs at $8.20. Can improve again. Expected in the finish. 3rd Pick 5 Sense Of Timing Jockey: Michael Mcnab Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Michael Mcnab T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	112	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis Recent form sound. At the latest run 3rd of 12 at this track on July 4 over 7f, on a wet track, 1.1 len behind Ribkraka with 125lbs at $8.40. The start before that 4th of 12 at Otaki on May 16 over 7f, slow going 4 len behind Dollybird with 122lbs at $8.20. Can improve again. Expected in the finish.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Synthetic Surface

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

Firm

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

Silks

The colorful jacket and cap worn by a jockey which features the design of the owner.