Te Rapa Race 1
6 Astoria Brooke
Astoria Brooke (#6) resumes as a 4yo mare, last sighted winning on a Heavy10 at Hawera back in May. She's had a nice trial in preparation, though a testing surface first-up is always a query. If she handles the conditions, she looks a leading player in what is a tricky opener.
Te Rapa Race 2
2 Tregor
Tregor (#2) is a proven wet tracker who arrives off a sharp 2nd here a month ago. The main concerns are the 60kg impost and the four-week gap between runs, his longest break for some time. Even so, his ability in the ground makes him the one they have to beat.
Te Rapa Race 3
4 Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull (#4) appeals as the proven race-fit option in a field full of first-uppers on a testing track. He's likely to push forward and look to lead, with Reptak the only real rival for the early running. If he finds the front, he'll take plenty of pegging back.
Te Rapa Race 4
3 Rocking
TIP OF THE DAY
Rocking (#3) drops back into MAAT company as a two-win mare, carrying just 55kg after Sam McNab's claim. She ran well in R75 grade here on a Heavy surface last start and looks very well placed in this company. Expect her to settle back and look to swoop widest into the straight.
Te Rapa Race 5
6 Midnight Edition
Midnight Edition (#6) looks the leader, with Lhasa the only likely resistance early. He was impressive here first-up when holding off Twain and co, and a repeat performance would make him tough to catch if allowed to dictate again.
Te Rapa Race 6
3 He Who Dares
He Who Dares (#3) resumed with a good effort behind Affirmative Action at Ellerslie, producing the fastest late splits to finish 2nd. He'll strip fitter for that run and from a middle draw Opie Bosson can keep him off the fence and in clear air. If he handles the conditions, he's the one to beat.
Te Rapa Race 7
4 Sweetazme
Sweetazme (#4) has been excellent in three runs this campaign, most recently closing off strongly here after racing keenly early. From a midfield draw George Rooke can tuck him in for cover and look to unleash him late down the outer. A progressive type ready to strike.
Te Rapa Race 8
12 La Crique
La Crique (#12) added another Gr.1 2nd to her record last start behind Quintessa in the Proisir Plate. She sat wide without cover throughout yet still stuck on courageously. Heavy track remains the question mark, but many in this are in the same boat.
Te Rapa Race 9
7 Si Exquis
Si Exquis (#7) didn't receive all favours late last start at Ellerslie when finishing 9th in a bunched finish. Her prior is a great guide for this and with Matt Cameron aboard from a wide draw, she should end up in the best part of the track. Should be at peak fitness now 4th up and looks a leading contender.
