Trentham Saturday Preview: NZ Trial Watcher’s key plays
NZ Trial Watcher delivers his Trentham Saturday best bets, with a focus on tempo-driven races and key runners ready to peak across the late card.
The back half of Trentham presents a mix of progressive types, high-speed features and a fascinating fresh runner resuming off a long break. With tempo a key factor across all three races, positioning in the run will likely determine the winners.
Race 4: (MAAT 1400m)
Tempo: Above Average
Improving with racing is the lightly-tried 4YO mare (4) KATAMUKU for a good trainer in Samantha Logan. Dominant off the front breaking maidens at Te Rapa from a wide alley, then followed up at the higher level at Hawera taking a sit and recording a high-rating win. Working on a firming track, Ryan Elliot taking her forward and settling on or just behind the speed. Threats are (10) MAZINO who led up a fast race at Pukekohe and nabbed late by an impressive debut winner. (1) ROARING BEBE ex HK, in-form, found a deep race.
Suggested Bet: KATAMUKU
Race 8: (OPEN 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Feature race on the card. The speed is set by (8) POETIC CHAMPION, one of the fastest horses in the country plagued by issues and raced sparingly. He can also sustain a gallop as shown winning at Matamata (with track bias in favour) when out fast and recording the 2nd best L600 of the meeting and not pushed to do it. Chute start experience here as a 2YO, he should find the rail and the lead giving him the tactical advantage over track specialist (2) PLATINUM ATTACK hard & fit for recent racing and will be thundering home. (13) HANKEE ALPHA and (10) TRISTAR both possess a strong finish.
Suggested Bet: POETIC CHAMPION
Race 9: (R75 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Low quality race for this grade. Intriguing runner is (6) ELIUD fresh off 623 days. The Tony Pike-trained 3YO built a good profile prior to arriving in Australia and disappointed in two runs overseas. Disappeared off the scene and has been very impressive at the trials since returning. He has speed to cross and lead if there is intent to win the race first-up, fitness and what the market does with him is key off such a long break.
Suggested Bet: ELIUD
