Te Akau Trans Tasman Easter Saturday Preview

Te Akau Racing has five horses entered on Saturday 19 April: Ellerslie and Riverton in New Zealand and one horse entered at Mornington, Victoria.

Ellerslie: 

Weather: showery, track: Soft5, rail: true. 45mls rain forecast. 5mls rain forecast Friday and 9mls Saturday. 

11:50 a.m. R1 10 Court Of Appeal (4 m Eminent – Katy O’Beel) – Michael McNab; she was checked and held up before getting through late in the fastest last 600m (36.4) for third in the Rating 75 2100 metres on 26 March at Hawera, and contests the $40,000 Rating 75 2100 metres. She raced clear prior to easily win the Rating 65 1800 metres on 26 February at Taupo, isracing in good fettle, and has the capability to finish in the top three if she snares some luck from outside gate (11) - she’s got the right man in the saddle for that. Fixed odds: $6.50 & $2.20.

2:27 p.m. R5 8 Colonel Warden (3 g Russian Revolution – Moralto) – Vinnie Colgan; he began well, was steadied for cover, was positioned fifth into the straight, and quickened nicely for fourth in a trial here on 3 April. Resuming in the $40,000 Rating 65 1200 metres, he recorded first and second placings in his previous four-start campaign, was stakes’ placed on debut as two-year-old, and rates a top four chance  from the awkward draw (11). Fixed odds: $9.50 & $3.20. 

4:12 p.m. R8 5 Wild Night (5 g Vanbrugh – Supreme) – Vinnie Colgan; he did well from beyond midfield for fourth in the Group 2 Japan Trophy over the mile on 15 March at Tauranga. He also ran good sectionals, while appearing to appreciate some give in the ground, during an exhibition gallop with stable-mate Sense Of Timing (below) here on 5 April. Contesting the $150,000 Group 3 Manco Easter Handicap 1600m, his eight career wins including victories at Group 2 and Listed level, and while he meets a solid field, if he brings his A-game, the opposition will certainly know he is there. Fixed odds: $18.00 & $5.50.

4:47 p.m. R9 1 Sense of Timing (4 m Time Test – Pin Up Lae) – unfixed; she finished well for second in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 23 March at Matamata, and she posted good sectionals while appearing to appreciate give in ground during an exhibition gallop with stable-mate Wild Night (above) here on 5 April. Contesting the $40,000 Rating 65 1600 metres, she is three-times stakes ‘placed, handles give in ground, and is a top three prospect if she too can overcome her tricky barrier (11) - not a great barrier day for the team!  Fixed odds: $12.00 & $3.80. 

Riverton: 

Weather: cloudy, track: Heavy8, rail: true. No rain forecast. 

3:45 p.m. R8 5 Elegant Lady (5 m Highly Recommended – Lady Masako) – Rohan Mudhoo; talking about shocking barriers, yet another of our runners has copped one for Saturday - she finished strongly from back in the field, running the fastest last 600m (35.5), for second in the Hororata Gold Cup (1800m) on 22 March at Riccarton, and contests the $80,000 Kennedy Building Riverton Cup (2147m). Twice stakes’ placed to 2400 metres, she is a dual winner on Slow ground, and can deliver a first four finish if both appreciative of track conditions and with luck from that dreaded outside gate (16). Fixed odds: $6.00 & $2.30. 

Mornington:

Weather: overcast, track: Good4, rail: true. No rain forecast.

3:30 p.m. (NZ) ~ 1:30 p.m. (Vic) R4 7 Savoir Faire (5 g Savabeel – Etiquette) – Luke Cartwright (a3); he did well clearing traffic and finished strongly for close second in the Yarra Valley Cup (2040m) on 22 March at Moonee Valley, also with Cartwright aboard, and since was held up with more to offer in a jump out on 14 April at Cranbourne. Contesting the $150,000 Enchanted Adventure Handicap (2000m), he enjoys weight relief to a competitive 51kg, and with four wins over 2000 metres, he brings right form to make a serious impression in this event. NZ TAB Fixed odds: $8.00 & $2.30.  

Main photo - Wild Night