Tauherenikau hosts a short and sweet six-race program on Sunday, with the track rated a Soft6 and the rail in the true position. Conditions are expected to improve throughout the day, with the surface likely to edge towards the Good range at some point in the day.
Selections for each of the six races below:
High Goal (#6) is a well-bred 2yo son of Sword Of State making his debut for the James/Wellwood stable. He takes on older horses but finds himself at the bottom of the weights as a result. His sole trial win back in December was impressive and suggests he has the ability to measure up in a maiden of this nature. With Bruno Queiroz aboard from a low draw, he should be afforded every opportunity to be winning on debut.
| 6. High Goal (2) J: Bruno Queiroz 55kg T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood |
Tick Tock Tessa (#10) had little go right on debut at Trentham, where she raced ungenerously along the fence and was checked into the rail when attempting to improve in the straight. She has since trialled well, winning without being fully extended, and looks to have taken improvement from the debut experience. A senior rider in Kelly Myers taking the ride is a positive, and being drawn away from the rail should suit. She can bounce back with a much-improved showing here.
| 10. Tick Tock Tessa (7) J: Kelly Myers 56kg 7 T: Jim Wallace |
Hayworth (#5) is a 3yo filly by Ace High who comes into this fourth-up for Andrew Campbell. She maps as the clear leader from the inside draw and looks likely to control the race to her liking under Chris Dell. With no obvious pressure engaged and her opposition not overly convincing at their respective trials, she appears well placed to dictate terms and prove very hard to run down.
| 5. Hayworth (1) J: Chris Dell 55.5kg 6X830 T: Andrew Campbell |
Port Chalmer (#2) ran a solid race for 3rd here at this course and distance last start, where he may have overdone things early and paid the price late. The removal of the blinkers may help him settle better this time, which he needs to do in order to run out the 2050m. This doesn’t look a strong staying maiden and, despite having had a number of opportunities, he gets another very good chance here.
| 2. Port Chalmer (9) J: Kate Hercock 58.5kg 54653 T: Lisa Latta |
Platinum Goddess (#3) has been in excellent form, winning three of her past five starts and continuing to race consistently well. She remains in R75 company and, despite the wide draw, Bruno Queiroz should be able to roll forward and sit up on speed again. While Stringline may pose some resistance early, she still looks capable of out-toughing these from outside leader if necessary.
| 3. Platinum Goddess (7) J: Bruno Queiroz 56.5kg 11051 T: Lisa Latta |
Makkaldee (#2) didn’t get conditions to suit at Waipukurau last start but still stuck on fairly well for 5th. He drops back in grade here and finds a winnable R60 contest. From the inside draw, he should enjoy a soft run on the fence and importantly settle ahead of a couple of key rivals. With the right run in transit, he looks a solid 1×3 each-way chance at the price.
| 2. Makkaldee (1) Scratched: | |||