Races ORX Te Rapa - NZ

At debut, 2nd of 11 at Tauranga on December 12 over 1200m, on a slow track; head behind Belle Noire carrying 58.5kg at $16.20. Should take the next step today and is a major player.

Resumes. Finished off last preparation tenth of 15 at Ellerslie Mdn-Sw May 25 over 1600m, soft track; 11 len behind Natoya carrying 58.5kg at $25.90. When resuming last campaign fourth of 13 at Matamata May 14 over 1400m, in the wet; 9 len behind Xiang Yu Biscuit with 58.5kg at $16.10. Expecting a strong run fresh.

Third-up today. Resuming raced on the pace when 3rd of 13 at Arawa Park on December 27 over 1215m, slow going 1.2 len behind Sugar Schnapps carrying 54.5kg at $14. Second run from a spell raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 12 at Tauranga on January 8 over 1300m, slow going 3 len behind Battle Tycoon with 54.5kg at $7.70. Can get off the mark without surprising.

Three-year-old gelding (Astern - Glib) who was bought for NZD $ 40,000 (NZB 2024 Karaka - Book 2). He has three recent trials prior to his debut today. Won his most recent trial at Avondale over 800m on December 16. Can get off the mark at first outing despite a difficult draw.

At the latest run 5th of 9 at Tauranga on January 8 over 1200m, slow going 2.25 len behind Sarti carrying 56.5kg at $9.90. Before that 2nd of 13 at Arawa Park on December 27 over 1215m, on a slow track; head behind Sugar Schnapps carrying 56.5kg at $12.20. Worth including.

Resuming after a break of six-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign seventh of 9 at Cambridge Synthetic Maat July 23 over 1300m, 6 len behind Oban carrying 52.5kg at $20.90. First up last campaign second of 8 at Cambridge Synthetic May 21 over 970m, a long neck behind Miss Moet All with 55.5kg at $5.80. Will take great benefit from this run.

Second-up. First start 7th of 12 at Ruakaka on August 16 over 1200m, in the wet; 5 len behind Play It Again Sam with 56.5kg at $13.20. Went for a break before returning 4th of 10 at this track on January 16 over 1100m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Track Tester carrying 56.5kg at $17.30. Thereabouts last time and could sneak a place here.

Second-up. First start 5th of 14 at Matamata on May 14 over 1200m, on a wet track; 5 len behind Viva Glam with 55.5kg at $6.60. Went for a break before racing on the speed throughout before fading 8th of 13 at Arawa Park on December 27 over 1215m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Sugar Schnapps carrying 56.5kg at $4.70. Rates highly and should improve sharply.

Was at long odds at debut, 7th of 11 at Ruakaka on January 6 over 1200m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Zivou carrying 55.5kg at $31.20. Needs to do more.

Second-up. First-up after seven months 3rd of 8 at New Plymouth Raceway on December 27 over 1100m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Zimomo carrying 54kg at $3.70. Previously second-up 5th of 8 at Otaki in the LR Castletown Stakes on June 20 over 1200m, in the wet; 7 len behind Platinum Diamond carrying 55kg at $7. Further improvement in store.

Second run back. First-up after four months 4th of 10 at Taupo on December 28 over 1100m, on a slow track; 5.5 len behind Written Glow carrying 52kg at $9.40. Previously second-up ran last of 10 at Ellerslie in the G3 Gold Trail Stakes on September 6 over 1200m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Lollapalooza with 56.5kg at $28.10. Will need this run.

Facing the starter for the first time. Three-year-old filly by Ghaiyyath out of Bateleur. At the most recent trial finished seventh on January 20 at Pukekohe over 1100m. Prefer to see under race conditions.

Comes here off a 34-day let-up. Last start 7th of 13 at Arawa Park on December 27 over 1215m, slow going 2.75 len behind Sugar Schnapps with 55kg at $19.30. The run before that 6th of 11 at Te Aroha on December 7 over 1400m, 5 len behind Stella Ma Bella carrying 55.5kg at $21.30. Not far away last time but others preferred.