Te Aroha Tips & Preview | Sunday 5 July

Leitrim Lad (#6) finished 2nd here in an Open Steeplechase behind Lord Spencer last month and looks well placed back in a 0-1 win hurdle today, despite much of his better jumping form coming over the bigger fences. Expecting Emily Farr to be positive early and keep My Maebelline Girl within her sights throughout. Can go one better back in this company with a clean jumping display.

Drommy (#2) heads here off a luckless resuming run for 3rd at Matamata, where he wasn’t able to clear heels until the race was already over, but his last 100m once obtaining clear running was very encouraging. He should be better for that run heading here and looks suited staying at 1400m on a Heavy track. He should be able to position a pair or two closer from the better draw, where he shouldn’t be standing the leaders as much of a start turning for home. Looks capable of winning this with natural improvement from the resuming run. 

Mont Ventoux (#11) is a more than capable hurdler on his day who slides back into a 0-1 win steeplechase here. His only go over the bigger fences came in last year’s Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase, where he was pulled up turning for home. He hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in his hurdling efforts this campaign, however, this looks a very winnable steeplechase assignment for him. He should take plenty of beating with anything close to his best. 

Dink (#6) comes into this off back-to-back runner-up performances, having enjoyed good runs in transit on both occasions but finding one better each time. She appears well suited by the Heavy conditions here and the form around her 3rd placing at Te Aroha three starts ago reads strongly for a race of this nature. She draws a handy gate and Sam McNab’s claim sees her carry just 54.5kg. Looks the one to beat on paper. 

Playinasandpit (#7) resumed with a very nice effort for 3rd here behind race rival Mobilized, where she lost some momentum in the home straight when being required to change course a couple of times. Having been 302 days between runs first-up on a testing Heavy track, she should strip much fitter here second-up. Despite racing out of her grade in this R65 highweight, she looks well suited down in the weights carrying just 62kg after Bradley Rantall’s claim. Should be thereabouts in a winnable race if she handles the weight. 

Summit Rendezvous (#11) is a 2yo son of Almanzor who ran a moderate race on debut for 9th at Matamata, where he didn’t let down after securing a very favourable run in transit, although not beaten far. He should take plenty of improvement from the experience, and his respectable trials prior are a better guide to his ability. Expect he’ll appreciate the additional 100m here as well as a Heavy footing. He has to take on the older horses but will carry just 55.5kg as a consequence. Can take some beating in a winnable maiden. 

Feint To East (#4) is a 3yo Circus Maximus filly who trekked down to Woodville for her resumption and made the return trip well and truly worth it for Andrew Forsman, winning in impressive fashion in testing conditions. She should only be better again for the run and will appreciate what should be a tired Heavy track come the last of the day. George Rooke taking the reins is a positive, and the wide barrier come this stage of the card shouldn’t be a negative. Can go back-to-back.