{"id":28805,"date":"2026-05-21T10:43:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T22:43:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=28805"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:43:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T22:43:25","slug":"hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/","title":{"rendered":"Hastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Racing returns to Hastings for the first time since September 2024, with a six-race program set down for Thursday. A clear forecast leading into and on raceday should see the Heavy8 surface improve closer to a Soft7 by the opening event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selections for each of the six below:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Hastings Race 1<\/div>\n
2 Countach<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Countach (#2) is a 3yo son of Wootton Bassett making his debut for Tony Pike. Michael McNab taking the ride from a favourable draw is a big positive and should ensure he receives every opportunity on debut. This doesn\u2019t look the strongest maiden lineup and he appears capable of measuring up if he runs up to his better trial efforts.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R1 – POWER FARMING MAIDEN 1400<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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4th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2. Countach (5)<\/span>
J: Michael McNab<\/span> 57.5kg<\/span><\/div>
<\/span>T: Tony Pike<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.80<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.35<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 22\/08\/2026 10:25:41 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 2<\/div>\n
5 Romantic Patch<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Romantic Patch (#5) was doing his best work late over 1600m at Pukekohe last start, where he closed off strongly from the back into 5th. He should derive good improvement from that run and the rise to 2200m looks ideal based on the way he hit the line there. Expect him to settle back of midfield from the middle draw and look to build into the race late. He shapes as a leading contender in a modest staying contest.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R2 – KARAMU STUD MAIDEN 2200<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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6th<\/span><\/div>
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5. Romantic Patch (6)<\/span>
J: Chris Dell<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
5055<\/span>T: Margaret Falconer<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 22\/08\/2026 10:25:42 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 3<\/div>\n
4 East End Lad<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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East End Lad (#4) is a fairly enigmatic galloper who has shown\u00a0<\/span>very good<\/span>\u00a0ability on occasions whilst lacking some consistency. He\u00a0<\/span>failed to<\/span>\u00a0flatter at Otaki last start and\u00a0<\/span>didn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0appear to have any obvious\u00a0<\/span>excuses,<\/span>\u00a0however his recent trial suggests he is ticking over nicely ahead of this. He maps to settle back off what looks a genuine tempo, which should suit him. An improved showing would not surprise.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R3 – VINTECH PACIFIC POVERTY BAY TURF CLUB 1200<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4. East End Lad (5)<\/span>
J: Amber Riddell<\/span> 58kg<\/span><\/div>
66X39<\/span>T: Mike Breslin<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.45<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 22\/08\/2026 10:25:43 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 4<\/div>\n
5 Cadaques<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Cadaques<\/span>\u00a0(#5) is another debutant for Tony Pike and is a 3yo son of Hello\u00a0<\/span>Youmzain<\/span>\u00a0who has impressed in his recent trials. He has shown good natural ability while still appearing to have plenty to learn. Michael McNab takes the reins, and from the low draw he should be able to settle in a handy position throughout. A bold debut showing can be expected.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R4 – STOCKIES AND CARRIERS MAIDEN 1200<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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6th<\/span><\/div>
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5. Cadaques (3)<\/span>
J: Michael McNab<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
<\/span>T: Tony Pike<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.50<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 22\/08\/2026 10:25:43 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 5<\/div>\n
5 Carter John<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Carter John (#5) comes into this off a fair effort for 6th at Waverley, where he\u00a0<\/span>was required<\/span>\u00a0to sustain a long run wide and just battled to the line late. He has looked a touch dour recently, so the rise to 2100m may prove ideal at this stage of his preparation. He is often slow away, but if he begins cleanly from the low\u00a0<\/span>draw<\/span>\u00a0he should be able to settle a pair or two closer than usual. This does not look a particularly strong R65 staying contest and he appears capable of taking this out with his best.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R5 – AHD LTD 25 YEARS 2100<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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7th<\/span><\/div>
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5. Carter John (2)<\/span>
J: Kelly Myers<\/span> 58kg<\/span><\/div>
52176<\/span>T: David Haworth<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.50<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 22\/08\/2026 10:25:44 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Hastings Race 6<\/div>\n
1 Port Chalmer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Port Chalmer (#1) heads here off a brave effort for 2nd at\u00a0<\/span>Waipukurau<\/span>, where he raced wide without cover on a genuine tempo before fighting on gamely in the straight. The wide draw is again a slight concern given the short run into the first bend from the 1600m start point at Hastings, however with some luck early he looks set to run another honest race. Based on the figure he put up last\u00a0<\/span>start,<\/span>\u00a0he\u00a0<\/span>likely would<\/span>\u00a0not need to improve much to be winning a maiden of this calibre.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hastings R6 – VET SERVICES MAIDEN 1600<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
9th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1. Port Chalmer (11)<\/span>
J: Amber Riddell<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
65322<\/span>T: Lisa Latta<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
6.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.30<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 22\/08\/2026 10:25:45 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Racing returns to Hastings for the first time since September 2024, with a six-race program set down for Thursday. A clear forecast leading into and on raceday should see the Heavy8 surface improve closer to a Soft7 by the opening event. Selections for each of the six below: Hastings Race 1 2 Countach Countach (#2) is a 3yo son of Wootton Bassett making his debut for Tony Pike. Michael McNab taking the ride from a favourable draw is a big positive and should ensure he receives every opportunity on debut. This doesn\u2019t look the strongest maiden lineup and he appears…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":367,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,36],"tags":[582],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-28805","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-horse-racing","category-horse-racing-tips","tag-racing-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"21\/05\/2026","event_country":"New Zealand","race_card_tips":[{"author_id":"45","race_id":"466c5822-39d0-4174-9f99-b13e903f8e57","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"05b3af17-7fa1-46e1-ba21-2ccf14338faf"}],"summary":"Countach (#2) is a 3yo son of Wootton Bassett making his debut for Tony Pike. Michael McNab taking the ride from a favourable draw is a big positive and should ensure he receives every opportunity on debut. This doesn\u2019t look the strongest maiden lineup and he appears capable of measuring up if he runs up to his better trial efforts."}]},{"author_id":"45","race_id":"d8afdb7e-6790-4029-bc3e-f7067e902c46","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"120deaf1-7afd-44cf-b3bc-ed5a81919ae9"}],"summary":"Romantic Patch (#5) was doing his best work late over 1600m at Pukekohe last start, where he closed off strongly from the back into 5th. He should derive good improvement from that run and the rise to 2200m looks ideal based on the way he hit the line there. Expect him to settle back of midfield from the middle draw and look to build into the race late. He shapes as a leading contender in a modest staying contest."}]},{"author_id":"45","race_id":"e4c6a9e6-0c79-4d04-a270-117d6baa894f","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"1fa4933e-00d8-4b8a-b820-51ed88ebbc6c"}],"summary":"East End Lad (#4) is a fairly enigmatic galloper who has shown very good ability on occasions whilst lacking some consistency. He failed to flatter at Otaki last start and didn\u2019t appear to have any obvious excuses, however his recent trial suggests he is ticking over nicely ahead of this. He maps to settle back off what looks a genuine tempo, which should suit him. An improved showing would not surprise."}]},{"author_id":"45","race_id":"48d68c7c-dd94-478f-9f5f-dc98e1b9ad21","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"ae5f03d1-6595-4313-803a-fa8149ba2b10"}],"summary":"Cadaques (#5) is another debutant for Tony Pike and is a 3yo son of Hello Youmzain who has impressed in his recent trials. He has shown good natural ability while still appearing to have plenty to learn. Michael McNab takes the reins, and from the low draw he should be able to settle in a handy position throughout. A bold debut showing can be expected."}]},{"author_id":"45","race_id":"5103941c-e0a5-4984-9520-4779e623ee03","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"a11dbb18-9aa0-4d54-ab32-6d56f79ba0e5"}],"summary":"Carter John (#5) comes into this off a fair effort for 6th at Waverley, where he was required to sustain a long run wide and just battled to the line late. He has looked a touch dour recently, so the rise to 2100m may prove ideal at this stage of his preparation. He is often slow away, but if he begins cleanly from the low draw he should be able to settle a pair or two closer than usual. This does not look a particularly strong R65 staying contest and he appears capable of taking this out with his best."}]},{"author_id":"45","race_id":"074ab220-7c18-48da-8332-c105b3afbcb8","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"bb2a13b5-1473-4632-94c6-ed2bf1d5608d"}],"summary":"Port Chalmer (#1) heads here off a brave effort for 2nd at Waipukurau, where he raced wide without cover on a genuine tempo before fighting on gamely in the straight. The wide draw is again a slight concern given the short run into the first bend from the 1600m start point at Hastings, however with some luck early he looks set to run another honest race. Based on the figure he put up last start, he likely would not need to improve much to be winning a maiden of this calibre."}]}]},"yoast_head":"\nHastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May - TAB NZ Punters Lounge<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May - TAB NZ Punters Lounge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Racing returns to Hastings for the first time since September 2024, with a six-race program set down for Thursday. A clear forecast leading into and on raceday should see the Heavy8 surface improve closer to a Soft7 by the opening event. Selections for each of the six below: Hastings Race 1 2 Countach Countach (#2) is a 3yo son of Wootton Bassett making his debut for Tony Pike. Michael McNab taking the ride from a favourable draw is a big positive and should ensure he receives every opportunity on debut. This doesn\u2019t look the strongest maiden lineup and he appears…\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TAB NZ Punters Lounge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-20T22:43:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-20T22:43:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Thoroughbred_Hastings_Photo_Race_Images_PN.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mitch Davis\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mitch Davis\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tab.co.nz\\\/punters\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tab.co.nz\\\/punters\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mitch Davis\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tab.co.nz\\\/punters\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/6b02d77c76a9f20c4294b0f060340808\"},\"headline\":\"Hastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-20T22:43:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-20T22:43:25+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tab.co.nz\\\/punters\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":53,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tab.co.nz\\\/punters\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tab.co.nz\\\/punters\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Thoroughbred_Hastings_Photo_Race_Images_PN.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Racing Tips\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Horse Racing\",\"Horse Racing Tips\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tab.co.nz\\\/punters\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tab.co.nz\\\/punters\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\\\/\",\"name\":\"Hastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May - 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TAB NZ Punters Lounge","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Hastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May - TAB NZ Punters Lounge","og_description":"Racing returns to Hastings for the first time since September 2024, with a six-race program set down for Thursday. A clear forecast leading into and on raceday should see the Heavy8 surface improve closer to a Soft7 by the opening event. Selections for each of the six below: Hastings Race 1 2 Countach Countach (#2) is a 3yo son of Wootton Bassett making his debut for Tony Pike. Michael McNab taking the ride from a favourable draw is a big positive and should ensure he receives every opportunity on debut. This doesn\u2019t look the strongest maiden lineup and he appears…","og_url":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/","og_site_name":"TAB NZ Punters Lounge","article_published_time":"2026-05-20T22:43:24+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-20T22:43:25+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":675,"url":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Thoroughbred_Hastings_Photo_Race_Images_PN.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Mitch Davis","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Mitch Davis","Est. reading time":"1 minute"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/"},"author":{"name":"Mitch Davis","@id":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/#\/schema\/person\/6b02d77c76a9f20c4294b0f060340808"},"headline":"Hastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May","datePublished":"2026-05-20T22:43:24+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-20T22:43:25+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/"},"wordCount":53,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Thoroughbred_Hastings_Photo_Race_Images_PN.jpg","keywords":["Racing Tips"],"articleSection":["Horse Racing","Horse Racing Tips"],"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/05\/hastings-tips-preview-thursday-21-may\/","name":"Hastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May - 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