Te Rapa hosts a 10-race program on Saturday, featuring the Waikato Steeplechase and Waikato Hurdle. The track is currently rated a Soft7 with the rail out 4m. A clear forecast leading into and during raceday should allow for further improvement, with conditions expected to return to something closer to a Soft6 by the opening event.
Selections for each of the 10 races below:
Titled (#10) is a handy enough stayer on the flat who makes his hurdling debut here. His recent flat form has been below his best, but he has been competing in significantly stronger races than anything he meets in this maiden hurdle. In a field containing several unknowns, his flat ability may carry him a long way. Looks capable of making a successful transition to jumping here at his hurdling debut.
Pacheco (#8) comes here off a solid effort on the flat at Ellerslie, where he set a genuine tempo in front before sticking on fairly for 5th. He heads here on the quick turnaround, which ensures he arrives here rock hard fit. The likely Soft track conditions should suit him better than some of his key rivals and, while Squire and Roc Up Ralph had his measure when they last met, were getting a much better price about him this time around. Happy to stick with him.
Miss Parker (#10) resumed with a sound effort for 4th at Ellerslie, where she worked home fairly from midfield. She should derive natural improvement from that outing and looks well suited remaining at 1400m second-up. Warren Kennedy takes the ride from a favourable draw, which should allow her to settle ahead of midfield with cover. This is a very even maiden field and she looks capable of winning if she can reproduce her better form from last campaign.
Arwen (#7) hit the line strongly when 3rd in quality 3yo company at Ellerslie last start, doing her best work through the line at the end of a genuinely run 1100m. She produced a career peak rating in that effort and looks even better suited stepping up to 1300m here. The wide draw should see her settle back in a race that appears likely to be run at a strong tempo, setting the race up perfectly for her to be finishing over the top late. Looks very hard to beat.
Doctor Iris (#2) produced a polished jumping display when winning a maiden hurdle here last start, controlling the race from the front and never giving his rivals a chance. He should strip fitter for that outing over the hurdles and now steps up to the bigger fences here. This looks a very winnable maiden steeplechase for his first attempt over the bigger obstacles and he again looks the likely leader. A repeat of his last start effort would see him take plenty of catching.
West Coast (#1) simply had no right to win here last start. He was badly checked approaching the turn and looked beaten before rallying strongly to reel in the leader, showcasing his champion qualities. He should only improve from that effort and although this is a stronger field that he has to lug 72kg against, he still shapes as the horse to beat. While he would typically appreciate wetter conditions and a longer staying test, it is difficult to oppose him based on what he produced last time.
Boxmoss (#4) heads here fourth-up after an okay effort at Ellerslie, where he was forced to sustain a long run around the field before peaking late. The rise to 2400m looks fine given he is already a winner at the trip last campaign. He will settle back as is standard for him these days, where he’ll be saved for one run at them late. Warren Kennedy returns to the saddle, which is another positive. If the gaps go his way late, he can be featuring in the finish.
Tristar (#8) was only fair when 4th here at this course/distance last start after being ridden positively early and failing to produce her usual finishing burst. She looks well placed here on the minimum and gains the services of George Rooke, both positives. The wide draw should see her settle back in what looks a genuinely run race, and if she can return to her best form, she has the turn of foot to finish over the top of them late.
El Viento (#5) appeared to get every chance when finishing a close 3rd behind Hasstobeawinner at Ellerslie last start. He looks ideally placed here with Craig Grylls returning to the saddle and just 56.5kg on his back. From the low draw he should secure another economical run just off the speed and may well find himself tracking the likely favourite Bonnard throughout. If that eventuates, he has the turn of foot to go past him late.
Rocking (#9) resumed with a solid effort for 8th at Ellerslie, where she was working home steadily before being tightened for room late in the straight. She should take improvement from that run and remaining at 1400m looks ideal. She maps to settle back of midfield off a genuine tempo, and while she generally prefers wetter conditions, a tired track late in a 10-race program could bring her right into contention. Looks capable of featuring.