Matamata hosts a seven-race program on Sunday, with the track rated a Soft6 and the rail out 11m. A clear forecast should see conditions improve into the Soft5 range at worst by raceday, ensuring a fair surface for the duration of the card.
Selections for each of the seven races below:
Asal (#2) looked a touch one-paced at Pukekohe last start after looming into the race, with his tendency to lay in costing him some momentum in the straight. The return to a left-handed track may prove key, and the shadow roll comes straight back off for this. In what shapes as an even maiden staying contest, he looks a solid each-way play at the price if he runs up to his past couple of efforts.
| 2. Asal (6) J: Masa Hashizume 58.5kg 34045 T: Shelley Wright |
Vantage Point (#5) is a 2yo son of Vanbrugh making his debut for Cody Cole, having impressed in his sole trial win at Foxton where he led and kicked away late. He draws the coveted inside gate for his debut, which should allow Samantha Collett to use that early and position him on speed. Over the 1050m, he could prove hard to run down if he controls the race up front.
| 5. Vantage Point (1) J: Samantha Collett 57.5kg T: Cody Cole |
Rioja (#8) resumes second-up after a decent effort at Taupo where she sat outside the leader and boxed on well for 2nd. She should take natural improvement from that run and looks well placed to run an improved race second-up. Warren Kennedy takes the ride and from a low draw she should be ridden positively again. If she leads and controls this from the front, she should take plenty of catching.
| 8. Rioja (2) J: Warren Kennedy 56kg 3X2 T: Simon & Katrina Alexander |
Frozen Fortune (#11) has had little luck across her three starts to date, having been forced to cover extra ground on each occasion. She draws more favourably here with Michael McNab retaining the ride, which should see her enjoy a far more economical run in transit. The step up to 1600m fourth-up looks suitable if she obtains a cosy run as expected, she appears well placed to break through for her maiden win.
| 11. Frozen Fortune (3) J: Michael McNab 56kg 520 T: Tony Pike |
More Bliss (#5) is a dual acceptor and Race 6 who resumes here for the Wexford team. The 3yo daughter of Ghaiyyath draws ideally for her return and should hopefully be able to settle a touch closer than she has previously under Joe Doyle. The form out of her two races last prep has held up well and she wouldn’t need to improve much to be competitive here. Looks a leading chance.
| 5. More Bliss (4) J: Joe Doyle 57kg 34X T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott |
More Bliss (#18) is also accepted here and should be a serious threat wherever the stable opts to line her up. The 3yo daughter of Ghaiyyath draws ideally for her return and should hopefully be able to settle a touch closer than she has previously under Joe Doyle. The form out of her two races last prep has held up well and she wouldn’t need to improve much to be competitive here. If she lines up here instead, she looks more than capable of making a winning return.
| 18. More Bliss (5) Scratched: | |||
Mille Grazie (#4) broke through for a deserved win at Hawera last start, travelling well before putting her rivals away late. She rises in grade here but gets some relief at the weights with Sam McNab’s 2kg claim. From the inside draw she should settle just off the speed and receive every chance in running. Looks well placed to measure up again and continue on her winning ways.
| 4. Mille Grazie (1) J: Sam McNab 57.5kg 64441 T: Samantha Logan |