Need an insider tip? Keen to know how the track is shaping up?
Here's your preview to our upcoming raceday, complete with a track update and tips to help provide you all the info you need.
Track update
The track on Friday morning is rated a Good 4. There is some rain in the forecast today so we expect the track will be in the Good 4/Soft 5 range tomorrow morning.
Hear what ATR track manager, Jason Fulford, has to say about the track conditions (as at Friday morning).
FEATURE RACE PREVIEWS
Staphanos By Deep Impact Champagne Stakes | Race 4
One of the strongest renewals in recent years with 13 acceptors including last start Group 1 placed Waitak. While he is not drawn to advantage in barrier 12, he certainly brings a great deal of class highlighted by his excellent third in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes. While he will be better at three, I expect him to be too classy tomorrow.
The dangers include Mr Maestro and Boss Man
Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes | Race 6
Another good race with three or four chances. Pinarello showed his class against the older horses with a dominant 4.5 length win the run prior to the Vodafone NZ Derby. His run in the Derby was solid and while he has had an interrupted preparation, I expect him to be very hard to beat tomorrow.
The dangers include Ruach, Achieve
A slight knock on the favourite Hoard The Bourbon. While I don’t doubt his potential, he has come through weaker form races and, in my opinion, is a false favourite.
Manco Easter Handicap | Race 7
A somewhat traditional handicap with a full field and many chances. While he is weighted up to his best, I have Brando narrowly on top in front of last start winner Carolina Reaper. From barrier 3, Opie Bosson will give Brando the gun run and I expect him to be too strong.
The dangers include Carolina Reaper and Samiam Seussie.
Racing information:
View the fields
See the speed maps
Need a tip?
CEO Paul Wilcox rates:
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Race 5 | 2.54pm | VRC Trophy 1400 | Apostrophe (#3) - Bet: FFW
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Race 6 | 3.30pm | Group 2 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes | Hoard the Bourbon (#3) | Bet: Win
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Race 7 | 4.10pm | Group 3 Manco Easter Handicap | Brando (#4) - Bet: Win
Sponsorship Manager Bill Heap rates:
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Race 2 | 1.03pm | Vertical Logistics 1200 | Letzbeglam (#8) | Bet: Win
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Race 3 | 1.39pm | MW Insurance 1200 |(#8) | Savonoski (#1) | Bet: Win
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Race 4 | 2.18pm | Listed Staphanos by Deep Impact Champagne Stakes | Waitak (#1) | Bet: Win
More good things to know:
Timings:
- Gates and hospitality open: 11:30am
- First race: 12:25pm
- Last race: 4:50pm
General Admission is FREE.
Learn more about the day here.