NZ - Wanganui - Race 8

Thoroughbred

18 Runners

10.1f

Unknown

Turf

SOFT 5

45.5K

VIEW

Verdict

THE ODYSSEY (1) charged home late to score at Ellerslie in his penultimate start, and then tried his heart out in the G3 Balmerino Stakes there 25 days ago in a race that had come too soon for him. He only needs a touch of luck from a wide gate, and he is the one to beat here. TSHIEBWE (7) faces his toughest test to date, and was run down late when finishing third at Waverley just over a fortnight ago. He has a few tricks, but has been more settled lately, and will probably be ridden with cover from his wide gate this time. Each way value. LEAVE A LIGHT ON (18) finished a brave third here over a mile fresh up last week, and if that run has not taken too much out of him, then he is a real threat in this. Include in all combinations. ENRICO (4) ran on too late at Tauherenikau 4 weeks ago when finishing fifth. His Trentham win before that is a good guide, and as a winner here in the past, he can bounce straight back into the money. KOPUA (5) is very fit, and not out of this.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
1	Last start 7th of 12 at Ellerslie in the G3 Balmerino Stakes on November 4 over 1 ¼m, slow going 6 len behind El Vencedor carrying 130lbs at $5.60. Before that settled well back, won by 0.8 len at Ellerslie October 25 over 1m on a rain affected track defeating Meaningful Star carrying 130lbs at $8.40. Hard to beat on his best form. 1st Pick 1 The Odyssey Jockey: Jonathan Riddell Trainer: Ben & Ryan Foote J: Jonathan Riddell T: Ben & Ryan Foote	98	-	-	-	12%	8/1
Analysis Last start 7th of 12 at Ellerslie in the G3 Balmerino Stakes on November 4 over 1 ¼m, slow going 6 len behind El Vencedor carrying 130lbs at $5.60. Before that settled well back, won by 0.8 len at Ellerslie October 25 over 1m on a rain affected track defeating Meaningful Star carrying 130lbs at $8.40. Hard to beat on his best form.
7	Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up won by 2.5 len at New Plymouth Raceway October 24 over 1m in heavy going defeating Manzor Blue with 131lbs at $8.20. Second-up led but faded 3rd of 9 at Waverley on November 14 over 1 m, slow going 1.75 len behind Khanshe with 117lbs at $4.50. Tough to beat on best form. 2nd Pick 7 Tshiebwe Jockey: Samantha Collett Trainer: Allan Sharrock J: Samantha Collett T: Allan Sharrock	91	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up won by 2.5 len at New Plymouth Raceway October 24 over 1m in heavy going defeating Manzor Blue with 131lbs at $8.20. Second-up led but faded 3rd of 9 at Waverley on November 14 over 1 m, slow going 1.75 len behind Khanshe with 117lbs at $4.50. Tough to beat on best form.
18	Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after eight months held ground to the line 3rd of 14 at this track on November 22 over 1m, slow going 5 len behind Blue Jeanie with 126lbs at $14.50. Previously second-up 6th of 9 at New Plymouth Raceway on October 25 2024 over 7f, slow going 3.5 len behind Grit with 126lbs at $6.40. Terrific chance to return to winning form. 3rd Pick 18 Leave A Light On Jockey: Unknown Jockey Trainer: Janelle Millar J: Unknown Jockey T: Janelle Millar	68	-	-	-	4%	25/1
Analysis Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after eight months held ground to the line 3rd of 14 at this track on November 22 over 1m, slow going 5 len behind Blue Jeanie with 126lbs at $14.50. Previously second-up 6th of 9 at New Plymouth Raceway on October 25 2024 over 7f, slow going 3.5 len behind Grit with 126lbs at $6.40. Terrific chance to return to winning form.

Upcoming Races

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.

Yielding

A rain-soaked turf condition often producing a slick or heavy course and slower finish times.

Overlay

A horse going off at higher odds than his recent efforts show that he deserves.