NZ - Te Rapa - Race 1

Thoroughbred

6 Runners

OPEN

Turf

SOFT 5

28.5K

VIEW

Verdict

SMART LOVE (5) ran a sound 4th in a G3 7f race 4 starts back in December. Three trails have here ready, the latest an impressive win when she stretched out well late. Top show. ROMANOFF (4) was a bit disappointing first-up when had now finish after a handy run on the outer. Took on the LR NZB Kiwi last season. Give another chance. SINHAMAN (2) honest galloper who raced well over further last season. Good record this trip and two trial 4ths have him ready to go a big race. BASEL WARRIOR (3) was only beaten 3L in an LR 7f race here 3 starts back and won his other start this track and trip. Didn't seem to like the synthetic track fresh-up last time. Better placed here. ANTON (6) was a big improver on the synthetic track over the winter. Placed just once in 7 starts on turf. Place best.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
5	Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation sixth of 8 at Matamata in the LR Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes February 14 over 7f, on heavy track, 13 len behind My Lips Are Sealed carrying 121lbs at $3.40. Previous preparation first-up favourite, to post a big 3.5 len win. This track September 14 2025 over 6 ½f on heavy track defeating Skymax carrying 126lbs at $2.10. Looks all set for a bright return. 1st Pick 5 Smart Love Jockey: Joe Doyle Trainer: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Joe Doyle T: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott	88	-	-	-	43%	11/8
Analysis Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation sixth of 8 at Matamata in the LR Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes February 14 over 7f, on heavy track, 13 len behind My Lips Are Sealed carrying 121lbs at $3.40. Previous preparation first-up favourite, to post a big 3.5 len win. This track September 14 2025 over 6 ½f on heavy track defeating Skymax carrying 126lbs at $2.10. Looks all set for a bright return.
4	Second run back. Comes off a 44-day let-up. First-up after seven months ran second last of 12 at Hastings on September 12 over 6f, in the wet, 8 len behind War Princess carrying 119lbs at $5.30. Previously second-up 3rd of 12 in the G2 James And Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes at Tauranga on November 1 over 7f, slow going 1.5 len behind Swiss Prince with 126lbs at $29.80. Fitter and rates highly. 2nd Pick 4 Romanoff Jockey: George Rooke Trainer: Pam Gerard J: George Rooke T: Pam Gerard	65	-	-	-	31%	9/4
Analysis Second run back. Comes off a 44-day let-up. First-up after seven months ran second last of 12 at Hastings on September 12 over 6f, in the wet, 8 len behind War Princess carrying 119lbs at $5.30. Previously second-up 3rd of 12 in the G2 James And Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes at Tauranga on November 1 over 7f, slow going 1.5 len behind Swiss Prince with 126lbs at $29.80. Fitter and rates highly.
2	Is first-up after a break of six-and-a-half months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last campaign second of 14 at Otaki in the LR Hawkes Bay Cup April 11 over 1m, soft track, 1.75 len behind Crouch with 117lbs at $8.10. Previously first up, second last of 16 at Ellerslie October 25 over 7f, soft track, 6 len behind Hinekaha with 127lbs at $24.80. Has claims if presented on song. 3rd Pick 2 Sinhaman Jockey: Matt Cartwright Trainer: Stephen Marsh J: Matt Cartwright T: Stephen Marsh	75	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis Is first-up after a break of six-and-a-half months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last campaign second of 14 at Otaki in the LR Hawkes Bay Cup April 11 over 1m, soft track, 1.75 len behind Crouch with 117lbs at $8.10. Previously first up, second last of 16 at Ellerslie October 25 over 7f, soft track, 6 len behind Hinekaha with 127lbs at $24.80. Has claims if presented on song.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Show Wager

Betting on a horse to finish in the first three spots, which pays out the same whether they win or run second or third.

Exercise Rider

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

Main Track Only

A horse entered for main track only (MTO) is one hoping the weather forecast or track conditions will move the race off the turf course and onto the main track. They are scratched the morning of the race if the conditions stay dry.