TE AWAMUTU CUP
RACE 7 - 1600m

SINHAMAN / KHAN HUNTER / TOBIAS

Thd astute horseman George Rooke is scheduled to ride the Marsh-trained SINHAMAN, who, while known for a degree of unpredictability, appears favourably positioned for this event. It is somewhat disappointing that the TIVACI gelding has not consistently performed up to the expectations set by his impressive lineage, although he often displays promising qualities and is typically quite competitive in good fields. Performed admirably early in 2025 when winning at Trentham and finished 2nd in the Remutaka Classic (2100m). Good run for 2nd over 1200m in OPEN class at Ellerslie two back and should be ready to show his best. 1/1 on a Heavy track with a top jockey aboard.

☆☆☆☆

KHAN HUNTER may have 50 runs under the belt, but his last two runs suggest he can knock one off at short notice. The MONGOLIAN KHAN gelding, previously secured victory in the Kiwifruit Cup a year prior and achieved a fifth-place finish in the Gr.3 Avondale Cup. Following a disappointing performance in the Auckland Cup, the stout KHAN HUNTER demonstrated consistent competitive spirit, achieving top-five placements in four subsequent races. Led and fought hard when 2nd over 2100m at Ellerslie last start and really should be in rock hard condition to handle the expected deep track.

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TOBIAS, with his impressive distance record is a horse that clearly thrives in heavy conditions, and he certainly warrants consideration here. The COMPLACENT gelding can be a little hard to catch, however with those first two runs out of the way and Vinny Colgan aboard we can expect much better. Ran two reasonable races resuming over shorter at New Plymouth and Whanganui with the trip north no doubt a target for Tony Dravitzki. Has that ZABEEL toughness thorough his dam, so look for Vinny to push forward from this middle gate and if the track bias favours front-runners, then he's should be there nearing the line.

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TURF BAR SPRINT
RACE 8 - 1200m

WAIHAHA FALLS / LAZIO / GOSPODIN

It is somewhat challenging to predict how the sprinter WAIHAHA FALLS, trained by the Lowry/Zydenbos team will perform upon returning after a seven-month absence from competition. The SACRED FALLS gelding has primarily raced across the Tasman, and performed quite well against some reasonably good sprinters. However, he hasn't won since a BM100 victory over 1400m at Randwick in December 2023. Only five times to the races since then, but he is a very solid type who did finish 3rd to LAZIO at Trentham in October last year. Solid enough trial over 1000m at Foxton late June and don't be surprised if he runs well.

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LAZIO is a slick little sprinter trained by Allan Sharrock at New Plymouth and he managed a 3rd fresh up over 1200m at Whanganui in late May. Won his maiden on his home course in June 2024, then won at Otaki next up. Took on OPEN class in the spring and was too good for them after running three wide. Tracked the leaders before pushing on from the 200m to win at Trentham over 1000m and make it four straight. Won a Foxton trial in June and looks ready to fly. The PER INCANTO gelding is out of the Stakes winner MADONNA MIA and can progress on from that first up run with a 4kg claim.

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GOSPODIN will also take a claim and the PROISIR gelding was much improved last start, thriving on a preferred Heavy track. The seven-year-old sprinter trained by Jim Pender was a little ordinary last prep, but seems back to his best after a big finish over 1200m at Te Rapa last start. The previous effort on a Soft 6 was also quite commendable, but he seems to have improved significantly in the wet and is now in excellent condition to face a challenging track surface. Fairly handy field so look for him late if they're running on from the back.

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JOHN GRYLLS MEMORIAL CLASSIC
RACE 5 - 1400m

CHARMER / BELLEZOR / WILD WEST

CHARMER is probably a very good chance with the 4kg claim, and the CHARM SPIRIT mare won here over 1300m two back. Sat midfield before challenging hard to get up late and despite the class rise she did take on some sharp 3yos in 2023, with a 2nd in the Wellington Stakes a nice result. Came on well last start over 1400m at Te Rapa but failed to finish it off on a difficult day with an unsuitable sticky track. If able to settle early from this gate then we could see a similar performance to her last effort. Some trust in the apprentice, however at fair odds and just needs some room to move late.

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BELLEZOR is a beautiful looking mare by European Champion 3YO, ALMANZOR. She was fully educated with Lance Noble before Paul Richards purchased her on Gavelhouse. Been disappointing the last few but will improve with more racing and has enough ability to win this. BELLEZOR is out of VICTORIAN BELLE (Zabeel), making her a half relation to Champion 3YO MR CLINT. Won a F&M race nicely over 12 months ago, then offered up a timely run to win over 1400m at New Plymouth. Hasn't returned with the same vigor, however she just needs to savage the line with a fraction more determination, Any track upgrade a bonus but weighted to give it a nudge.

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WILD WEST caused an upset for us when winning over 1200m on a Soft 7 in May on the Te Rapa course, storming down the outside to nail it on the line with a strong late burst. Had nothing returning there over 1400m, however it was a day for the front-runners and the result was not unexpected. Even finish for 7th on a Heavy 10 here coming back to 1200m and it wouldn't shock if he puts in another massive effort thid time up and back at the 1400m. Possibly would prefer it firmer, although sure to be searching for the best ground out very wide.

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MARK SANDERS MEMORIAL
RACE 6 - 1400m

EXIT LEFT / FAMILY FOLKS / JAFFIRA

EXIT LEFT, trained in Hastings, appears to be a promising stayer in the making, having demonstrated consistent performance in his initial four races. Trailed out and won nicely on debut at Woodville over 1340m, before being inconvenienced at Rotorua after shifting inwards onto poor ground. Bounced back when challenging hard running 2nd to LA DULCIN'EE over 1340m at Whanganui, then a solid 3rd over the same distance there. The TURN ME LOOSE gelding is out of the dam, ABEAUTIFULRED; a handy winter miler who finished her career in Australia. Will need to keep improving, but a progressive type who will appreciate conditions and should perform well.

☆☆☆☆

The money came hard and fast for the well-bred SNITZEL gelding FAMILY FOLKS, and punters weren't left disappointed. On a Heavy Tauranga track, the galloper picked up late to finish over the top of them and win in fine fashion. He had been around the mark this prep after racing effectively in Hong Kong, but failed to set the world on fire. Based on the last big effort, the gelding out of the nice mare MISS SHARAPOVA can repeat if the Te Rapa straight is playing fair.

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JAFFIRA is an easy horse to like, and despite a couple of poor runs this prep, the Wexford trained gelding did win at Matamata over the mile in April, and his last start effort for 3rd when hampered there wasn't too shabby at all. The IFFRAAJ bred galloper has raced against some very good horses and run in Group company at Ellerslie and elsewhere, so he is certainly no slouch. Finished 4th to MAJOR MAJOR and PACIFICO at Pukekohe in April who have both come out and won again, and it wouldn't be a total shock should he offer up a big effort coming back in trip. Won here 12 months ago on a Heavy track.

☆☆


J&J STEWART MEMORIAL
RACE 3 - 1200m 3YO

HONEY BADGER / MACALLAN / SOCIAL CLIMBER

The talented Tony Pike runner HONEY BADGER took a while to hit her straps, but the three-year old EL ROCA filly is now making up for lost time. Won with ease over 1215m at Rotorua in May before a 3rd here when snagged back from a wide draw. Handy on the outer over 1200m at Tauranga last start, throwing down a big finish to win well. Took on SETHIO in the Bonecrusher Stakes and that last outing was impressive enough to suggest another huge effort is on the cards. Best bet getting on the track early and looks hard to hold out.

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MACALLAN, the ARDROSSAN gelding trained by O'Sullivan/ Scott, has shown considerable promise in his two race day appearances, and he is considered a highly promising prospect, being out of the OCEAN PARK mare, QUIZZY LIZZY. The gelding, ridden by Bruno Queiroz, secured a victory on its debut over 1200 metres at Tauranga, and despite some inexperience demonstrated a strong finish. Competed for third place, following HONEY BADGER on the same course, and appeared to perform admirably on the Heavy 10 track conditions. May present a formidable challenge to the leading contender.

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TThe CONTRIBUTOR filly SOCIAL CLIMBER, has only two career starts but has demonstrated considerable potential. Trained by the Richardson/Norvall team at Matamata, she trialled well as a two-year-old before starting in July last year. SOCIAL CLIMBER drove clear on debut at Rotorua on a Heavy 10 track to win with some distinction, but was fractious when finishing 4th in the Listed Whanganui Guineas (1200m) in her only other run. Two jumpouts to prepare for a return to racing, with the last outing a strong performance over 1200m at Avondale. While acknowledging her potential for improvement, a thorough assessment of her current physical condition within the ring is wise.

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WAIKATO HUNT CUP
RACE 4 - 3900m

COUNTRYMAN / JAKAMA KRYSTAL / AL'S RED ZED

Geez COUNTRYMAN is a real worry, and he dislodged his rider once again down at Trentham last Saturday in another farcical race, which doesn't bode well for this assignment. But he has demonstrated jumping proficiency, evidenced by two commendable third-place finishes in hurdle races at Te Rapa (2800m) and Trentham (2500m). The SHOCKING gelding did trial a few times over the bigger fences and jumped cleanly, so under pressure he possibly gets in a bit close which freaks him out. Despite the fall last week and lost rider we're willing to take the risk involved in the hope he can run handy, get around safely and push on in the straight. The Beatson stable seem confident enough putting him straight back in.

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The nine-year old mare JAKAMA KRYSTAL trained by the Brosnan's has experienced a solid campaign thus far without offering up her absolute best. Nonetheless she is fairly strong now after a High Weight 2nd over 2200m at Egmont, and two 5th steeplechase placings at Te Rapa and Te Aroha. The JAKKALBERRY mare won her chase maiden in August last year over 3900m, before winning easily over 4000m at Woodville. A very handy flat horse on her day, the stable likely have her in fine shape and the mare only needs to jump well and not drift too far off them to be right in it at the end.

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AL'S RED ZED has been jumping with distinction for the smart Nelson/McDougal team, and he has to be a strong candidate here over 3900m. The lightly raced ten-year old ZED gelding jumped exceptionally well to claim 2nd behind the impressive JESKO in the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) last start, after finishing 3rd behind the same jumping star over 3800m at Whanganui. Appears very well placed with a month between runs and should be giving it plenty turning towards the final fences. Does need to stay closer this time and not drift away through the mid sectors.

☆☆☆☆

JOHN YOUNG BM75
RACE 9 - 2400m

IRRIGATE / PROCELLA / JUSTICE

The last two runs suggest the OCEAN PARK mare IRRIGATE is very close to her best, and the seven-year-old stayer proved she can plough through the mud when winning here over 2400m in August 2024. Got back but still managed to grab a place behind QUICK FIRE over 2200m at Te Aroha, handling the Heavy 9 conditions admirably despite giving them a head start. Challenged hard from the turn when 4th to PROCELLA last start and angled foolishly wide by the misguided young jockey. Weighted to give this a nudge down on 53.5kg and hopefully apprentice Goyaram has learned his lesson.

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The team Fahy trained PROCELLA lifted late to win over 2400m on a Heavy 10 Te Rapa track last start and a repeat of that effort wouldn’t shock anyone. Held well to win over 2100m at Puke in April, before coming from midfield to finish 2nd to KING OF THE NORTH at Ellerslie despite contacting runners a couple of times down the straight. The PROISIR gelding has developed into a strong winter galloper who should be right in the frame after a tough run for all competitors and he does look hard to roll returning to Te Rapa on Saturday.

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the Dean Wiles trained JUSTICE has been over the sticks recently, however the BELARDO gelding is fairly adept on the flat and that should serve him well here over 2400m. Finished 3rd to FOURTY EIGHT at New Plymouth in May, then 2nd to EL ZORO over 2100m here on a Heavy 10. Plodded on for 6th in a 3100m hurdle contest at the latest, but he got around and likely to be in rock hard condition to face this trip. Could be the surprise package on a testing, deep track and worth considering at longer odds.

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BEST BET: HONEY BADGER

NEXT BEST: SINHAMAN

BEST VALUE: CHARMER

LONGSHOT: JUSTICE