{"id":31440,"date":"2026-08-14T11:18:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T23:18:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=31440"},"modified":"2026-08-14T11:28:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T23:28:20","slug":"ruakaka-tips-preview-saturday-15-august","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/08\/ruakaka-tips-preview-saturday-15-august\/","title":{"rendered":"Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Tips & Preview | Saturday 15 August"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ruak\u0101k\u0101 hosts an eight-race program on Saturday for Northland Breeders Stakes Day, with the track rated a Soft6 and the rail in the true position. Isolated showers leading into raceday are likely to see the track remain closer to a Soft6 for the duration of the card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mitch Davis has been through the form guide and speed maps and has provided his race analysis and betting strategy for each of the eight races at the Ruak\u0101k\u0101 meeting on Saturday 15 August below:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 1<\/div>\n
13 Russian Prime<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Russian Prime (#13) is a 3yo filly by Russian Revolution coming here at just her second career start for the Ritchie\/Murray stable. Her sole run as a 2yo at Ellerslie back in June had plenty of merit, where she finished off well from a midfield position to run 2nd. As an early season 3yo filly she finds herself nicely situated down in the weights taking on the older horses, carrying just 54kg with George Rooke\u00a0<\/span>remaining<\/span>\u00a0in the saddle. Expecting Rooke to be positive early and attempt to find a position just off the speed with cover. Should take some beating if she can obtain that sort of run.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R1 – BRETT SAWYERS @ RAY WHITE BREAM BAY MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
13. Russian Prime (9)<\/span>
J: George Rooke<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
2<\/span>T: Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.10<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Won a trial and then overcame difficulties in running to finish second on debut over 1200m at Ellerslie. Will improve with the race experience on board. Can progress and take this out.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 14\/08\/2026 01:04:53 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 2<\/div>\n
2 Scolera<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Scolera<\/span>\u00a0(#2) ran a good race in defeat here over 1200m last start behind race rival\u00a0<\/span>Nicconi<\/span>\u00a0County, where she dictated terms in front but\u00a0<\/span>couldn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0hold him off in the straight. She should be able to lead these again from her wider draw in this small field with regular pilot Samantha Collett hopping back aboard. Back to 1100m with the sting out of the track should suit her more than most here. Can give a big sight and go one better.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R2 – GALLAGHER INSURANCE BREAM BAY SPRINT<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2. Scolera (6)<\/span>
J: Samantha Collett<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
X8422<\/span>T: Jim Collett<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.40<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.40<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Has been about the mark in small fields of late. Last start finished second at this track over 1200m. Worth plenty of thought.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 14\/08\/2026 01:04:53 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 3<\/div>\n
1 Forester<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Forester (#1) has been thereabouts of late without winning, as his numerical\u00a0<\/span>formline<\/span>\u00a0suggests. He was last seen finishing 3rd at\u00a0<\/span>Te<\/span>\u00a0Rapa on a Heavy track last month, where he was mounting his run in the inferior part of the track but stuck on well. Back to better footing here looks ideal and getting the services of strong rider George Rooke jumping back aboard should suit. Expect him to settle midfield with cover from his handy draw in a race that should be run at a genuine clip. Can be finishing over the top of these late.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R3 – TREE WISE NORTHLAND MDN<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1. Forester (5)<\/span>
J: George Rooke<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
42423<\/span>T: Annabelle Johnson<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.75<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Has ability and is racing well with three minor placings from six starts. Finished third at his most recent appearance over 1600m at Te Rapa. Deserves a winning turn.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 14\/08\/2026 01:04:53 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 4<\/div>\n
2 Bourbon Proof<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Bourbon Proof (#2) was huge in defeat here last start at this track and trip, where he was forced to work wide without cover throughout but kept on coming down the outer to finish 2nd. He maps to settle much closer to the speed here from his low draw without having to work as hard, in a race that may be devoid of tempo if Overrated\u00a0<\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0take his place. He loses George Rooke in the saddle, but apprentice Jack Taplin\u2019s claim helps offset the 60.5kg impost. Looks\u00a0<\/span>a very good<\/span>\u00a0chance to go one better here.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R4 – CROFT POLES<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2. Bourbon Proof (2)<\/span>
J: Jack Taplin<\/span> 60.5kg<\/span><\/div>
50622<\/span>T: Michelle Bradley<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.45<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Fitter for recent racing and looks close to a win after finishing second over 1600m at this track last time. One of the major hopes.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 14\/08\/2026 01:04:54 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 5<\/div>\n
8 Merriama<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Merriama<\/span>\u00a0(#8) won with good authority here at this course and distance last start, picking up strongly between horses from back of midfield and putting the race to bed halfway down the straight. She looked to relish the rise to the mile last start and looks suited remaining at that distance again here. Michael McNab\u00a0<\/span>remaining<\/span>\u00a0in the saddle from the inside gate is a big tick, where she maps to follow key contender Pact throughout, which\u00a0<\/span>likely puts<\/span>\u00a0her three-back the fence. She looks a mare with upside who can go on with it here.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R5 – RUAK\u0100K\u0100 BEACH FRONT MOTEL<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8. Merriama (1)<\/span>
J: Michael McNab<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
0X641<\/span>T: Kylie Hoskin<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.20<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.85<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Recent form has been good, with a win most recently over 1600m at this track following a sound fourth at this track two starts back. Draws well and another big run is in store.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 14\/08\/2026 01:04:54 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 6<\/div>\n
7 Shalabiya<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Shalabiya<\/span>\u00a0(#7) is a well-related 3yo filly by Brazen Beau, being the half-sister to dual Gr.1 winner Crocetti. She was a well-backed commodity on debut here two weeks ago and well and truly justified that market support by thrashing a maiden field by 5L eased down. Michael McNab taking the reins from a low draw looks ideal, where she should be able to obtain a similar trailing position to last start. She could hardly have been more impressive on debut and while she\u00a0<\/span>has to<\/span>\u00a0take on some handy 3yos here, she looks clearly the one to beat with any natural improvement.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R6 – CAMBRIDGE STUD NORTHLAND BREEDERS STAKES (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
7. Shalabiya (4)<\/span>
J: Michael McNab<\/span> 55kg<\/span><\/div>
1<\/span>T: Danny Walker & Arron Tata<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.95<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.20<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Was successful at her latest appearance over 1200m at this track, scoring by 5 lengths. Sure to be thereabouts again.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 14\/08\/2026 01:04:54 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 7<\/div>\n
7 I\u2019m Lulu<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

I\u2019m<\/span>\u00a0Lulu (#7) resumed with a sound effort for 4th here at this course and distance last start, where she was snagged back to last in a moderately run race before finding the line well from the back. She should be better with that run under her belt and looks suited remaining at 1400m second-up. She maps to get back again from the wide draw,\u00a0<\/span>however<\/span>\u00a0there does appear to be a good amount of speed engaged this time around. Should be finishing off hard late and looks a solid each-way chance at the price.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R7 – SHANE BATTEN ELECTRICAL BREAM BAY CUP<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
7. I’m Lulu (9)<\/span>
J: Joe Doyle<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
701X4<\/span>T: Todd McDonald<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
2.50<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Resumed from a spell last start with a fourth over 1400m at this track. Usually performs well second-up and can measure up in this line up.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 14\/08\/2026 01:04:55 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Ruak\u0101k\u0101 Race 8<\/div>\n
8 Chicago Dream <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Chicago Dream (#8) ran a great race here for 5th last start over 1300m, where he settled much further back than\u00a0<\/span>anticipated<\/span>\u00a0after a slow getaway but\u00a0<\/span>made up<\/span>\u00a0good ground up the fence. He reunites with Jack Taplin here, who rode him to victory three starts back and 2nd two starts back, and will again\u00a0<\/span>benefit<\/span>\u00a0from his 2kg claim. Expecting him to lead this field if he jumps cleanly this time, though the key will be whether Taplin can steal a cheap furlong thereafter, as a solidly run 1400m may test him.\u00a0<\/span>Wouldn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0be surprised to see him give plenty of cheek in front.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruakaka R8 – DALTONS<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8. Chicago Dream (8)<\/span>
J: Jack Taplin<\/span> 58.5kg<\/span><\/div>
6X125<\/span>T: Kenny Rae<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
9.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
3.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Scored at this track when resuming and has run well at both starts since, the latest a fifth over 1300m at this track. Brings the right form to the table and is one of the better hopes.<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 14\/08\/2026 01:04:55 PM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\"Oamaru<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Oamaru Tips & Preview | Friday 14 August<\/h2>
\n\t
\n
\n \n
\n
\"New<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

New Plymouth Tips & Preview | Saturday 15 August<\/h2>
\n\t
\n
\n \n
\n
\"Ruakaka<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n Horse Racing Tips<\/span>

Ruakaka Tips & Preview | Saturday 15 August<\/h2>
\n\t