Te Akau Rotorua Thursday Preview

Te Akau Racing has nine horses entered on Thursday 2 March at Rotorua.  

Weather: showery, track: Heavy10, rail: true. No rain forecast.  

12:26 p.m. R1 9 Angel Wings (3 f Heroic Valour - Gowana) - Joe Kamaruddin (a1); she improved out of midfield for fourth in the $14,000 Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 26 January at Hastings, has been given time (35 days), and contests the corresponding event. She has placed on Heavy9 footing. 

1:02 p.m. R2 1 Balance Of Power (2 c Almanzor - Respin) - Opie Bosson; he drew the outside (14) and ran on from last in the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on 21 January at Pukekohe, won by stable-mate and subsequent Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m) winner Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin). Given time (40 days), he finished second on Heavy9 going in the Challenge Stakes (Listed, 1100m) and rates a top three chance in the $14,000 Maiden 2YO 1215 metres. 

2:12 p.m. R4 12 Can't Kach Me (3 f Tavistock - Kachina) - Opie Bosson; she got back from outside gate (10) and made good ground for fifth in the Pearl Series Maiden 1400 metres on 7 February at Taupo, and steps up in the $14,000 Maiden 1560 metres. Drawn barrier one, she looks a top three prospect if she is appreciative of conditions.  

2:47 p.m. R5 4 Cobber's Pal (3 g Burgundy - Tad Infinitum) - Niranjan Parmar (a2); he did well for second in a trial on 19 January at Tauranga, and debuts in the $14,000 Maiden 1215 metres. Drawn barrier one, he enjoys weight relief to 56kg. 

2:47 p.m. R5 5 Spellcraft (3 g Savabeel - Bewitching) - Joe Kamaruddin (a1); he made ground near the rail to snatch third in a trial on 17 January at Tauranga, but remained at the rear when debuting in the Maiden 1200 metres on 7 February at Taupo, won by stable-mate Insatiable (All Too Hard). Ideally drawn (3) in the $14,000 Maiden 1215 metres, he is looking to show improvement.  

3:23 p.m. R6 6 Notworthwatching (3 g Pariah - Shamar) - Opie Bosson; he rounded off okay among the minors in a trial on 19 January at Tauranga, and debuts in the $14,000 Maiden 1215 metres. Drawn barrier one, this is an ideal first outing. 

4:33 p.m. R8 10 Florencenightngale (4 m Rip Van Winkle - Reigning Dynasty) - Opie Bosson; she came from last for fourth in the Rating 60 1200 metres on 7 February at Taupo, and contests the $14,000 Rating 60 1400 metres. She too is ideally drawn (3), was a good course winner on debut and is looking to recapture that form. 

4:33 p.m. R8 15 Rip Van Gogh (5 g Rip Van Winkle - On the Move) - Joe Doyle; he held spot nicely for fourth in trial on 21 February at Avondale, and resumes in the $14,000 Rating 60 1400 metres. He requires luck from his wide draw (15). 

5:05 p.m. R9 4 Avondalay (3 f Redoute's Choice - Miss Maren) - Opie Bosson; she worked forward and fought well for sixth in the Rating 65 1800 metres on 17 February at New Plymouth, and contests the $14,000 Rating 65 1950 metres. She receives the opportunity to improve further.