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Otaki Picks - Friday, 18 October

LA CRIQUE winning the TRACKSIDE OTAKI-MAORI WFA CLASSIC
LA CRIQUE winning the TRACKSIDE OTAKI-MAORI WFA CLASSIC Picture: Race Images Photo

Ōtaki Race 1
13 Risque Ruler

Risque Ruler was extremely unlucky at Hawera last start, running into dead-ends multiple times in the home straight. The market support was strong for her that day and if she had clear air she arguably would've won also. Aussie jock, Harry Grace jumps aboard from gate one and now steps up to 1400m second-up. A lot to like about her with better luck in running.

Ōtaki Race 2
1 Sleight Of Hand

Sleight of Hand is resuming here after nine months off the scene, having last been sighted finishing 3rd at Whanganui. They're tinkered with his gear at the end of last campaign which saw some improvement out of him after a couple of moderate runs to start his career. The wide draw (16) is the main concern, if Jonathan Riddell can find cover without being near enough to last then I think he can be in the finish here.

Ōtaki Race 3
1 Winchester

Winchester is a 2yo colt by Ribchester who showed any amount of early speed in his sole trial after a moderate getaway. From the inside gate, if he can jump with them, I think he can lead and give a good sight in this 800m contest.

Ōtaki Race 4
3 Kalledu Thunder

Kalledu Thunder is a 3yo son of Vadamos debuting from the Lowry/Zydenbos stable. He comes into this off the back of a nice recent trial win, as well as a jumpout win over subsequent race winner, Detrimental. Low draw (4) and Jonathan Riddell taking the reins are both positives for his debut, he's hard to beat for mine.

Ōtaki Race 5
11 Kattegat

I think the market has this race wrong early-doors with Kattegat going up $9. She has been racing well this time in with excuses on each occasion. Unlike many others at the top of the market, she will be one who is suited by the firmer track conditions here. She's on a path to the New Zealand Cup in November, so the step up to 2100m also looks suitable. Boomtown Boy looks the other key contender and I think he and Kattegat can fight it out. Happy to side with Kattegat at the better price.

Ōtaki Race 6
13 Princess Elly

Princess Elly's resumes here having last been sighted running 3rd behind Solidify and Phats in June. A strongly run 1400m fresh looks to be an ideal setup for her, given her racing pattern typically sees her back of midfield in her races. Lily Sutherland's claim sees her get into this with only 53.5kg from a middle draw (6). Look for her charging late if they do overdo it in front.

Ōtaki Race 7
5 Persuader

Persuader hasn't been sighted at the races since September 2023, so he's clearly had his issues in the interim. His recent trial was a pass mark at Te Rapa, given it was on a Heavy10 track and he hadn't publicly trialled or raced in 12 months. He looks to have plenty of ability going off his last start win at Avondale. Expecting a bold return here despite the gap between runs.

Ōtaki Race 8
1 Rolls

Rolls came over to NZ to run in the Group 1's over spring here, which hasn't gone quite to plan for connections. While he typically prefers the sting out of the ground, which he won't get here, this does look his race to lose. Assuming he crosses Tobias early, he will be able to dictate this race as he likes from in front and I can't see any of these running him down if that eventuates.

Ōtaki Race 9
3 The Prophet

Tip of The Day
The Prophet was luckless last start at Matamata, where he never really got clear running in the home straight and looked to have plenty left to give. I think he has well above average ability going off the figure he posted on debut at Woodville. The wide draw (15) could prove sticky, however, if he can find a position from the draw, I think he can win this and win well.


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