Races ORX Te Aroha - NZ

Second run back. First-up after 16 months 3rd in a small field at Matamata on January 23 over 1400m, slow going 2.25 len behind Tonia's Dragon carrying 56.5kg at $7.30. Previously second-up 8th of 14 at Hawera on July 23 2024 over 1900m, on a wet track; 7 len behind Flaneur with 56kg at $10.50. Fitter and is a leading contender.

At the latest run 5th of 16 at Te Rapa on January 16 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Nick Time carrying 58.5kg at $5.70. The run before that held ground to the line 2nd of 11 at Ruakaka on December 17 over 1600m, slow going long-neck behind Relentless carrying 58.5kg at $8.20. In the mix again.

Having second run back today. Freshened for 42 days. Last outing raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 8 at New Plymouth Raceway on December 31 over 2000m, in the wet; 18 len behind French Thinker carrying 58.5kg at $17.50. At only start last preparation 11th of 14 at this track on July 27 over 1400m, on a wet track; 11 len behind Scarlet Temple with 54.5kg at $36.80. Still early in the prep and needs another run or two.

Comes off a 40 day let-up. Most recently 6th of 10 at Tauranga on January 2 over 1400m, slow going 3 len behind I'll Be Home Soon carrying 58.5kg at $16.30. Before that 7th of 14 at Tauranga on December 12 over 1500m, slow going 7 len behind Tagalomu with 58.5kg at $7.70. Not keen on his chances.

Second run back. First-up after four months 6th of 14 at Te Rapa on January 30 over 1400m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Super Legocy with 58.5kg at $38.60. Previously second-up eased back early on 8th of 13 at Matamata on October 17 over 1400m, in the wet; 6 len behind Bradley carrying 58.5kg at $31.60. Capable of improvement but others still far more appealing.

Returns from a 34-day let-up. Last start sat behind the speed prior to fading 7th of 12 at Tauranga on January 8 over 1300m, slow going 7 len behind Battle Tycoon with 55.5kg at $13.40. The race before that 4th of 9 at Tauranga on November 15 over 1600m, slow going 2.75 len behind Staphani carrying 54.5kg at $3.90. Tough to beat if near his best.

Second-up today. Last run sat on the pace before fading 8th of 13 at Pukekohe on January 18 over 1300m, slow going 4.5 len behind Starlit Express carrying 57kg at $17.80. At only start last preparation 7th of 11 at Ruakaka 3yo Mdn-Sw on September 3 over 1200m, slow going 6 len behind Transcend carrying 57.5kg at $13.80. Strips fitter, and he do much better.

Having third race start. At debut, 3rd of 11 at this track on December 7 over 1400m, 4 len behind Stella Ma Bella with 57.5kg at $10.80. Second-up ran last of 10 at Ellerslie on January 1 over 1600m, slow going 17 len behind Towering Vision with 56kg at $21.70. Go on that strong debut performance; can finish much closer.

Dual acceptor. Gelding by Ace High facing the starter for the first time. Trialled on January 20 at Pukekohe over 1100m and finished fourth. Tough assignment.

Gelding by Almanzor facing the starter for the first time. Ran 3rd in a trial at Tauranga over 1100m on January 13. Strong chance to score on debut.

Most recently 2nd of 16 at Te Rapa on January 16 over 1600m, on a slow track; 0.9 len behind Nick Time with 56.5kg at $9.80. The run before that 5th of 11 at Ruakaka on December 17 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Sibella with 57.5kg at $16.20. Tough to beat.

At the latest run 3rd of 8 at Matamata on January 23 over 1600m, slow going 0.7 len behind Cease And Desist with 56.5kg at $18.80. The race before that 9th of 13 at Taupo on December 28 over 1800m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Star Warrior with 56.5kg at $24.60. Expected to be very competitive.

Dual acceptor. Third-up today. First-up 9th of 12 at Tauranga on January 2 over 1500m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Classic Champagne carrying 57.5kg at $94. Second run from a spell eased back early on 4th of 8 at Matamata on January 23 over 1600m, slow going 3 len behind Cease And Desist carrying 56.5kg at $38.60. Not going well enough. Preferred in something easier.

Third-up today. Not raced for 46 days. Resuming 5th of 9 at New Plymouth Raceway on November 21 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Justice For All carrying 57.5kg at $17.80. Second run from a spell 5th of 11 at New Plymouth Raceway on December 27 over 1400m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Bubbles Up carrying 57.5kg at $14.20. Expect she will make amends.

Dual acceptor. At the latest run 12th of 14 at Te Rapa on January 30 over 1400m, slow going 5.5 len behind Young Jackson with 56.5kg at $67. Before that 11th of 15 at Te Rapa on January 16 over 1400m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Single Red carrying 54.5kg at $118.70. Must improve sharply.

Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after nine months second last of 14 at Ellerslie on January 11 over 1400m, 11 len behind Atkins with 56.5kg at $149.50. Previously second-up ran last of 15 at Ellerslie on May 7 over 1400m, slow going 13 len behind Hero Of War carrying 56.5kg at $78.40. Didn't do enough first up to raise hopes.

Dual acceptor. Third-up today. First-up got back early 8th of 10 at Taupo on December 28 over 1100m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Written Glow with 58.5kg at $40.50. Second run from a spell crossed from a wide gate to settle just off the pace but gave ground when 3rd of 13 at Pukekohe on January 18 over 1300m, slow going 1.3 len behind Starlit Express with 58.5kg at $41.50. Still has the job ahead.

Dual acceptor. Third-up today. First-up 5th of 12 at Tauranga on January 8 over 1300m, slow going 5 len behind Battle Tycoon with 54.5kg at $19.10. Last start 4th of 8 at Matamata on January 23 over 1600m, slow going 3 len behind Cease And Desist carrying 54kg at $6.30. Nice draw and worth thought.

Dual acceptor. Having third race start. At debut, 4th of 8 at Taupo on December 28 over 1200m, slow going 2.75 len behind Rebel Creek carrying 55.5kg at $14.90. Last start 12th of 15 at Te Rapa on January 16 over 1400m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Single Red with 55kg at $10. Open to plenty of improvement and might surprise.

Dual acceptor. First starter by Shamus Award out of Charlotte Square purchased for AUD $ 40,000 (Magic Millions 2024 Adelaide Yearling Sale). Was third in a trial at Tauranga over 1300m January 13. Respect any positive market move.