Te Akau Tauranga Monday Preview

Te Akau Racing has four horses entered on Monday 2 January at Tauranga.

Weather: overcast, track: Soft5, rail: out 2 metres. No rain forecast.

1:55 p.m. R2 1 Espionage (4 g Savabeel - Bayrock) - Craig Grylls; he has been freshened since the Maiden 1400 metres on 16 October at Rotorua, and resumes in the $14,000 Maiden 1200 metres. He has the addition of visor blinkers and this event will be a stepping stone to further distance.

1:55 p.m. R2 5 Coco Express (3 g Shamexpress - Molly Coco) - Opie Bosson; he recorded his third trial win in succession when running home strongly on 6 December at Waipa, and debuts in the $14,000 Maiden 1200 metres. He boasts the right attributes to rate a top three chance in a fresh state.

4:17 p.m. R6 17 Treaty of Paris (3 g Tavistock - Echezeaux) - Joe Kamaruddin (a1); he has been gelded and spelled since last racing and resumes in the $14,000 Maiden 3YO 1400 metres. He got home well without being exerted in a trial on 6 December at Waipa, and receives the chance to improve from barrier five.

5:24 p.m. R8 4 Stonybreck (3 g Tavistock - Fair Isle) - Opie Bosson; he finished second to stable-mate Kabugee (Satono Aladdin) in the 3YO 1215 metres on 16 October at Rotoura, and resumed coming from last for third in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 17 December at Te Rapa. He has a good record, has drawn the ace, and rates a top three prospect in the $14,000 Rating 65 1400 metres.