Te Aroha Tips & Preview | Wednesday 11 February

Wee Nessy (#10) is a 3yo Savabeel filly who has shown glimpses of ability alongside a couple of more ordinary efforts so far in her short career to date. She bounced back in a big way last start at Ellerslie, charging home from the back to finish 2nd, recording the fastest closing sectionals of the race in doing so. This looks an even and winnable maiden on paper and if she runs up to that most recent effort, she should be right in the finish again.

Vendabelle (#7) comes here off an unlucky 7th at Ellerslie in R65 company last start, where she was denied clear running at a crucial stage. She now drops back into R60 grade and the step out to 2200m looks suitable. From a low draw she should enjoy a soft run midfield with cover and with better luck in running, she looks capable of going close in this. 

Navy Ensign (#7) may well hold the title of being the best maiden in the country, having finished 2nd at all four career starts to date behind the likes of Well Written, Golden Wings and Khaleesi. That sort of form stacks up extremely well for any maiden contest. With plenty of early tempo engaged here, he looks likely to be ridden off the speed from his middle draw and with even luck, he shapes as the one they’ll have to hold off late. Hard to beat. 

Night Wolf (#6) was scratched from Te Rapa a couple of weeks ago and instead arrives here in a fresh state. He was last seen finishing a solid 3rd behind subsequent Gr.3 placegetter Waimea Bay after racing on speed throughout. He draws ideally here and now gains the services of Opie Bosson, both big positives. On paper, he should end up racing in a prominent position again without needing to overdo it early. This looks a very winnable maiden assignment for him. 

Scutalong (#6) lines up for just his third career start after last being seen hitting the line well from the back at Matamata over 1200m. That effort suggested the rise to 1400m would suit and he now gains the services of Craig Grylls. Expect him to settle midfield with cover and be rounding off strongly again. In an even maiden field, he looks a leading contender. 

The Mailman (#5) caught my eye last start at Te Rapa, finishing off nicely from the back in a race that clearly favoured those up on speed. The way he was finding the line suggests the extra 200m here will suit if ridden cold again from the wide draw. This shapes as another very even maiden field on the card, and at the price, he appeals as a solid each-way play. 

Guipago (#5) is a somewhat enigmatic galloper who promised a lot early but has only shown it in glimpses on raceday so far. The booking of a strong rider in Matt Cameron looks a positive for him and stepping out to 1600m appears exactly what he’s been looking for. The wide draw is unlikely to be an issue given his usual racing pattern. Expect to see him winding up out wide down the long Te Aroha straight, worth speculating on at odds. 

Lerado (#2) can be forgiven for her last-start 11th at Ellerslie, where she was held up late when finding the line well. Being beaten just over 4L by smart 3yo’s Aksil and Road To Paris reads well for this. She looks well suited dropping back into midweek R65 company and Sam McNab’s claim brings her in nicely at the weights. In an even race to close the card, she shapes as a leading chance.