Matamata Tips & Preview | Wednesday 13 May

Jakama Krystal (#8) comes here third-up after a respectable effort for 4th in R75 company at Woodville last start. The locally trained 10yo mare drops sharply in grade, back into R60 company here, and looks capable of running a cheeky race if she can reproduce that latest effort. She has the tactical speed to hold a position underneath the likely leader Pure Gold, which should see her afforded every chance in transit. At the price, she looks a nice 1×3 each way play in what shapes as a very open race.

The Armorer (#7) is a 2yo son of Armory making his debut for Ben & Ryan Foote. He has had two trials to prepare and has shown good natural speed in both, although he still looks to be learning his craft. Drawing a low gate under Matt Cartwright looks ideal for him here on debut and should aid him securing a handy position from the outset. If he can put it all together on race day, he can run a cheeky race at odds.

Centurial (#1) has produced some solid efforts through his four starts to date, although his last start run at Ellerslie was arguably his least convincing. The drop back to 1200m looks a positive, as he hadn’t quite been finishing off his races over 1400m, and the addition of blinkers may sharpen him up for this. Drawn a nice gate under Wiremu Pinn, he should settle just off the speed throughout and gets every opportunity to bounce back to better form.

More Bliss (#1) is a dual acceptor for this race and Race 8, but wherever she lines up she looks extremely hard to beat. She hit the line strongly for 2nd behind Single Red at Te Rapa on Anzac Day, with that form already being franked after Single Red’s brave placing at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Dropping back from 3YO company into maiden grade at her home track looks very suitable. The lack of tempo on paper is the only slight concern; however, she has shown the ability to put herself up on speed if needed. 

Andiamo (#5) resumes after a lengthy spell, last seen contesting the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic behind Leica Lucy. She has looked very sharp in two recent trial efforts leading into this and gets the benefit of Michael McNab in the saddle from a soft draw here. If she returns to anywhere near her best, she should take plenty of beating in this.

Confectionist (#10) resumes here after last racing at Tauranga in January, where was beaten fair and square into 8th. She has trialled strongly in preparation for this, winning two recent trials in impressive fashion. She draws ideally for this assignment, and Matt Cartwright takes the reins from a low gate. If she can bring her trial form to race day, she looks capable of running a very competitive race fresh-up.

Oberon (#6) resumes for Stephen Marsh, last sighted finishing a close-up 4th in 3YO SW&P company at Ellerslie back in January. His recent trial effort behind Imprevu suggested he has returned in good order and despite the awkward draw, he possesses the natural speed to push forward early. If Matt Cartwright elects to be positive from the gates, he could well find the front and give a bold sight at odds.

More Bliss (#20) is a dual acceptor for this race and Race 8, but wherever she lines up she looks extremely hard to beat. She hit the line strongly for 2nd behind Single Red at Te Rapa on Anzac Day, with that form already being franked after Single Red’s brave placing at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Dropping back from 3YO company into maiden grade at her home track looks very suitable. Drawn favourably here, she should get every opportunity and looks hard to beat if she takes her place in this race.