Despite being unable to come on-course today we want our loyal sponsors, members and racegoers to still feel like they are a big part of the day. We hope we can find a winner or two from the strong contingent of locally trained runners at New Plymouth Raceway today.
Race 1
Local legend John Wheeler has two runners in the opening race on the card. REDGUM on paper looks the best chance of the two. A strong third last time out at Hawera suggests a win is close at hand in what in all honesty isn’t a vintage field.
Race 2
Three locals contest the second on the day. The best of them looks to be the consistent LOOX LIKE A PRO for Janelle Millar. The 3kg weight relief with Callum Jones in the saddle should see the Proisir mare go close to breaking maiden ranks today. The addition of blinkers is a notable gear change as well.
Race 3
No locals running in this event. The evergreen OTTAVIO for Team Rogerson looks very competitive in this field over the sprint distance. Again the weight relief with Bailey Rogerson up will assist its chances. It can lead all the way in this.
Race 4
A three pronged attack for the locals here. ZOLA EXPRESS has shown good ability in its starts to date. Fresh up today shouldn’t pose any problems for the Janelle Millar trained mare. She was successful in that state last September on this track. Looks a good bet at the current odds. The Bryce Revell trained pair of HOT SHOCKOLATE and SECRET SQUIRREL shouldn’t be dismissed. Both have good ability and could surprise.
Race 5
Bonny local mare LONDON EXPRESS only has to repeat its effort from the Powerworx Opunake Cup to win this. She was strong to the line in running second to stablemate Justaskme that day and he has franked that form with two great performances at Riccarton since. Allan Sharrock has engaged 3kg claimer Callum Jones to do the steering which will assist.
Race 6
We have two locally trained runners lining up in this. The outsider of the three is TOTAL SASS, the Debbie Harris trained mare who has a great record on her home turf. Her only three wins (from five starts) have come here and with top local apprentice Hazel Schofer taking the mount she will be hard to beat. Her trackwork has been very pleasing of late and rates a great each way bet.
Race 7
New Zealand’s longest flat race sees three locals greet the judge. PENELOPE CRUISE has been building to this race with some nice runs and top jockey Lisa Allpress is brimming with confidence for this assignment. The John Wheeler pair of CHIEF SEQUOYAH and HEISTHEONE will be fit having competed in jumping races of late.
Race 8
Again three strong chances for the locals in this race. Don’t be surprised to see them fight out the finish. COLLINSTREET for Allan Sharrock gets back up to a suitable distance today and he enjoys racing at his home track. ROSEWOOD for Marilyn Paewai has the runs on the board and absolutely loves heavy tracks. She has been a bit unpredictable this time in but has to be respected. ZEEFA ZED for John Wheeler will appreciate the big drop in weight from last time and showed at Riccarton he is up to this company. A great race to box up the locals in a quinella!
Race 9
We finish the day with five locals going head to head. LADIES MAN disappointed last week at Te Rapa when expected to win. Trainer Allan Sharrock holds the Zed gelding in very high regard and if he lives up to that billing he will put a space on his rivals today. If you are looking for one at good odds don’t dismiss GOBUYIT for Bryce Revell. He went well last week at Hawera on a track that was too firm for his liking. Back to heavy track conditions today he can turn his form around.
BEST BET – RACE 5 LONDON EXPRESS
NEXT BEST – RACE 4 ZOLA EXPRESS
BEST ROUGHIE – RACE 6 TOTAL SASS