Horse Racing

Matamata hosts an eight-race program on Sunday, with the track currently rated a Heavy8 and the rail in the true position. Mild and clear conditions are forecast throughout the weekend in Matamata, which may allow for some improvement, although the surface is expected to remain in the Soft7-Heavy8 range for the duration of the meeting. Selections for each race below: Matamata Race 1 8 Pre Nup Pre Nup (#8) is a 3yo Contributer filly having just her second career start after finishing 9th on debut at Ellerslie, where she was seen doing her best work late. She should derive plenty of benefit from that…

Whanganui hosts a nine-race program on Saturday, with the track currently rated a Soft7 and the rail out 4m. A mostly clear forecast leading into raceday should allow the surface to continue improving, with conditions expected to return to something closer to a Soft5 by the opening race. Selections for each of the nine races below: Whanganui Race 1 3 Old Fashioned Old Fashioned (#3) is a 2yo Proisir colt making his debut for Bill Thurlow and Sam O’Malley. He has had just the one trial leading into this assignment, which came only 10 days ago, where he showed good gate speed…

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: Te Rapa Race 1 10 Titled 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…

Queensland’s biggest race day arrives this Saturday with Eagle Farm hosting Ladbrokes Stradbroke Day. The track is currently rated Soft 7, and continued rainfall is expected to keep conditions in the affected range. All nine races on the program hold black-type status, highlighted by the $3 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Stradbroke Handicap. Headley Grange heads betting markets following his Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup victory. The Group 1 J.J. Atkins will feature the leading two-year-olds, while the Group 2 Q22 sees Half Yours, Pride Of Jenni and She’s A Hustler clash in a high-quality staying contest. With testing ground expected,…

New Plymouth hosts an eight-race program on Friday, with the track rated a Heavy10 and the rail out 7m. Clear conditions leading into raceday may allow for some minor improvement, although the surface is expected to remain in the Heavy9-Heavy10 range throughout. Selections for each race below: New Plymouth Race 1 3 The Republican The Republican (#3) heads here having his first start for the Kevin Myers stable. He was last seen finishing 6th in a maiden highweight at Hawera, where he settled outside the leader but failed to finish the race off in the straight. Back onto Heavy footing…

Trentham hosts a rescheduled 10-race program on Wednesday, headlined by the Manawatu Steeplechase and Manawatu Hurdle. Selections for each of the 10 below: Trentham Race 1 5 Comedy Comedy (#5) makes his hurdling debut here and is sure to have been well educated given he comes out of the Wilson yard. His three flat runs this campaign have all had merit, including his latest efforts in Open Handicap company. The prospect of a Heavy track shouldn’t concern him in the slightest and he gets the services of a handy jumps jockey in Hamish McNeill aboard. A bold hurdling debut is…

Riccarton Synthetic hosts an eight-race program on Wednesday, now running alongside the postponed Trentham meeting. Selections for each race below: Riccarton Synthetic Race 1 1 Reservoir Reservoir (#1) had been racing consistently since joining Danny Crozier in the South Island before a disappointing effort at Ashburton last start, where he finished well down the track. He may be looking for firmer footing than he struck that day and the switch to the polytrack could prove helpful. From the middle draw, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them ride him more positively in a race that lacks obvious speed. This isn’t a strong maiden and he gets…

The midweek program at Doomben features eight races and shapes as a meeting where race patterns could play a key role. With the rail positioned 9 metres out around the entire circuit, runners settling on or near the speed are expected to have an advantage, particularly those who can avoid covering extra ground. There is rain forecast, and while the surface is currently rated a Soft 5, it is likely to deteriorate further into the heavy range as the meeting progresses. That places added importance on horses proven in rain-affected conditions who can still hold a forward position in running.…