Te Aroha Race 1
5 We Found Love
We Found Love (#5) produced a very good effort when resuming at Avondale, closing strongly into 2nd in a comparable R60 field. She maps to enjoy another soft run from the draw and will be fitter for that resuming run. With Craig Grylls now aboard, she shapes as the one they all have to beat.
Te Aroha Race 2
5 Khando
Khando (#5) has been racing consistently without quite breaking through, finding one or two better in recent outings. She carries just 53.5kg after Hayley Hassman's claim and looks likely to take up a forward position here. In a staying field lacking opposition with any change-up speed, she may prove tough to run down.
Te Aroha Race 3
2 I'll Be Home Soon
I'll Be Home Soon (#2), a locally trained 4yo on debut, has shown sharp early speed in his trials and maps to jump straight to the front from the inside gate. Over 1150m on his home track, that gate speed is a major asset and he should take plenty of catching if he finds the front uncontested.
Te Aroha Race 4
1 Watch Me Go
Watch Me Go (#1) resumes here after last being sighted running 3rd on the Cambridge Synthetic back in June. His recent trial was good and suggests he has returned in fine order. From a favourable draw, he should take up a prominent position under Courtney Barnes. A bold showing fresh wouldn't surprise.
Te Aroha Race 5
10 Born To Be Royal
TIP OF THE DAY
Born To Be Royal (#10) is a talented 3yo filly by Kings Legacy who was considered a leading early-season prospect for the 1000 Guineas. She's trialled up nicely with the blinkers on, and they now go on raceday. Craig Grylls takes over, and she maps to get back before looking to unwind strongly late. Hard to beat.
Te Aroha Race 6
4 Drommy
Drommy (#4), a 3yo by Embellish, has trialled well enough to suggest he is primed to run a good race on debut. He draws perfectly and maps to settle off the speed without doing much work early. A sharp debut showing wouldn't surprise.
Te Aroha Race 7
16 Bethany Dee
Bethany Dee (#16) was luckless last start and never got a look in down the straight. Warren Kennedy sticks for this assignment and from a more favourable draw she maps to settle a touch closer. While not getting the same price this time, she still looks the one to beat in an even race.
Te Aroha Race 8
14 Wee Nessy
Wee Nessy (#14) was a little disappointing last start, appearing somewhat flat compared to her encouraging debut. Still, she draws well here, retains Warren Kennedy in the saddle, and looks to get her chance again. Happy to forgive and give her another chance at a better price.
Te Aroha Race 9
3 Bonifleur
Bonifleur (#3) resumes without a trial after last being seen running 4th on the Cambridge Synthetic in August. Although she typically gets back, the map here suggests she can land ahead of a few key rivals. In what is an even contest, she's capable of running a good race fresh.
Te Aroha Race 10
5 Willit
Open Race time: 1:00 am, 26 Nov
Willit (#5) produced a much better run than the form guide suggests when resuming at Tauranga, where he worked wide throughout and was entitled to drop out but kept fighting to the line. He draws very wide again but gets Matt Cartwright aboard, which may assist in mitigating the draw. With some luck early this time, he can give this a serious shake at a decent each way quote.
