NZ - Te Rapa - Race 3

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

10.4f

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 5

39.0K

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Verdict

LEVAKIA (2) followed up an improved run for second in her penultimate start with an easy win as the favourite at Pukekohe nearly 3 weeks ago, scoring by almost a length. She remains in the same class, and an extra 4lbs may not be enough to stop her from winning again. CRACKERCOL (3) has had an impressive season, winning 3 times, and even though he was beaten as the favourite at Trentham 3 weeks ago, he is worth another chance. Follow your money. STEELY MAN (5) was beaten but not far off the winner when finishing seventh in the G2 Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie in his penultimate start, and he then had no luck at all when having a tough wide trip there last time out as the favourite. He gets a big swing in his draw this time, and with an extra 2 ½f to travel, he can make amends. Stick with him. ASCENSION (11) built strongly to score third up at Te Aroha 5 weeks ago when leading all of the way. She will again take some pegging back here. THE TRENDSETTER (12) is up in grade, but can place.

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Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
2	Racing well recently. Most recently favourite, ran on from midfield and won by 0.8 len at Pukekohe January 18 over 1m on a soft track defeating Ruach with 125lbs at $3.60. The start before that 2nd of 8 at Tauranga on January 2 over 1 5/16m, slow going long-neck behind Moonlight Magic with 125lbs at $2.70. One of the major players. 1st Pick 2 Levakia Jockey: Jasmine Fawcett Trainer: Ken & Bev Kelso J: Jasmine Fawcett T: Ken & Bev Kelso	120	-	-	-	15%	6/1
Analysis Racing well recently. Most recently favourite, ran on from midfield and won by 0.8 len at Pukekohe January 18 over 1m on a soft track defeating Ruach with 125lbs at $3.60. The start before that 2nd of 8 at Tauranga on January 2 over 1 5/16m, slow going long-neck behind Moonlight Magic with 125lbs at $2.70. One of the major players.
3	Last start 7th of 18 at Trentham on January 17 over 1m, slow going 1.75 len behind Indie Ardie carrying 129lbs at $4. The race before that 5th of 13 at Taupo on December 28 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind What You Wish For with 119lbs at $9.10. Well placed to find winning form again. 2nd Pick 3 Crackercol Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Craig Grylls T: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott	97	-	-	-	17%	5/1
Analysis Last start 7th of 18 at Trentham on January 17 over 1m, slow going 1.75 len behind Indie Ardie carrying 129lbs at $4. The race before that 5th of 13 at Taupo on December 28 over 1 ¼m, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind What You Wish For with 119lbs at $9.10. Well placed to find winning form again.
5	Last start 12th of 15 at Ellerslie on January 11 over 1m, 3 len behind Sorghaghtani with 128lbs at $3.50. Before that 7th of 11 at Ellerslie in the G2 Rich Hill Mile (ARC George Adams (Tattersall) Hcp) on January 1 over 1m, slow going 3 len behind Queen Zou carrying 117lbs at $43.10. Can turn things around. 3rd Pick 5 Steely Man Jockey: Matt Cartwright Trainer: Lynda German J: Matt Cartwright T: Lynda German	104	-	-	-	19%	9/2
Analysis Last start 12th of 15 at Ellerslie on January 11 over 1m, 3 len behind Sorghaghtani with 128lbs at $3.50. Before that 7th of 11 at Ellerslie in the G2 Rich Hill Mile (ARC George Adams (Tattersall) Hcp) on January 1 over 1m, slow going 3 len behind Queen Zou carrying 117lbs at $43.10. Can turn things around.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Bolt

A sudden veering to the inside or outside rail, often caused by the horse spooking or shying from something.

Paddock

The area where horses gather before the race to be saddled and paraded for the public.

Mare

A female horse of five years or more.