Hāwera hosts an eight-race program on Wednesday, with the track rated a Good4 and the rail in the true position. Despite some irrigation being applied leading into raceday, a clear forecast in the region on Wednesday should see the surface remain in the Good4 range throughout the afternoon.
Selections for each of the eight races below:
Up With Ace (#3) is a 4yo son of Ace High who comes here at start number nine. He had his first look over a staying trip last start and looked to see it out reasonably well. The addition of blinkers and the booking of Samantha Collett from a low draw should see him positioned on speed in a race that lacks tempo. An improved showing wouldn’t surprise in this company.
| 3. Up With Ace (4) J: Courtney Barnes 58.5kg 65565 T: Benjamin King |
Shadow Ruler (#8) is a 4yo mare from the Janelle Millar yard making her debut. She has had just the one trial back in September where she held her own against decent opposition. From the inside draw she should settle a pair or two back from the speed at worst, and in what appears a moderate maiden, happy to speculate on her at odds to run a race on debut.
| 8. Shadow Ruler (1) J: Chris Dell 56.5kg T: Janelle Millar |
Honor The Name (#2) produced a solid effort first-up at Te Aroha in her first run for the Hollie Wynyard stable. While the wide draw looks a touch sticky on paper, she may be able to tag Portland in the run if ridden positively early by Kate Hercock. She should take improvement from that resuming run and looks a strong each-way chance at the price.
| 2. Honor The Name (9) Scratched: | |||
She’s Got Gears (#9) is a 3yo El Roca filly making her debut for Cody Cole. She showed good improvement between her last two trials, where she hit the line strongly under minimal urging in her most recent trial. From the low draw she should be allowed to find her rhythm and settle back of midfield with cover. She looks capable of running a cheeky race on debut at the price.
| 9. She’s Got Gears (3) J: Leah Hemi 55.5kg T: Cody Cole |
The Black Prince (#4) ran well for 3rd on debut before finishing off fairly for 6th last start in a race that didn’t favour those back and wide. He should appreciate getting onto firmer footing here and the step to a mile third-up looks ideal. From the wide draw he is likely to settle back again but should be finishing off strongly late.
| 4. The Black Prince (9) J: Kelly Myers 58.5kg 36 T: Allan Sharrock |
The Trendsetter (#4) is a capable staying mare on her day who has been undone by Heavy tracks at her past couple. The return to firmer footing and a drop back to what looks a moderate R65 field sees her ideally placed to bounce back sharply. Craig Grylls aboard from a low draw is a big tick and she looks very hard to beat.
| 4. The Trendsetter (3) J: Craig Grylls 58kg 71365 T: Stephen Marsh |
East End Lad (#4) resumes here, last seen finishing 6th behind Thorax in a MAAT race at Trentham back in December. His recent trial was encouraging, suggesting he has returned in good order ahead of this. He maps to settle midfield with cover off a solid tempo, which should allow him to finish off strongly late. Strong each way chance.
| 4. East End Lad (6) J: Kate Hercock 58.5kg 6166X T: Mike Breslin |
Fosse (#6) finished off fairly well from the back at Ellerslie last start in what was her first run in seven weeks. She looks suited stepping up to the mile here and should be suited by what will likely be a strongly run race. She looks capable of running an improved race and shapes as the one they’ll have to hold out here.
| 6. Fosse (9) J: Masa Hashizume 54.5kg 41886 T: Steven Ramsay & Julia Ritchie |