Jasd an exciting prospect at Taupo
A first start maiden at Taupo might not enthuse you as one of the specials for today, but debut runner Jasd in Race 4 in the middle of the island will give you a great sight.
In keeping with the plethora of young emerging talent of the last 12 months, there have been some stylish barrier trial winners since tracks firmed a couple of months ago and Jasd has been right up there among them.
The Australian bred Sepoy 3-yearold from the Tony Pike barn worked away at the conclusion of his trial and looked ready to make a winning debut. He has landed a cosy No3 barrier and it will be a surprise if he doesn’t figure.
Chill (No2, R2) proved a touch costly when only third on debut, but for us she lost no gloss for that. It was not the best passage she copped and she did not give up on the task. She is staying bred and with the benefit of a learning curve last start she should be difficult to contain. Miss Foxy Gal (No9) was huge running fourth at Matamata last start. She came from last to fly home, beaten just 1.1 lengths and would have won but for being held up behind runners as they straightened up. She is the best horse in the field, but whether she gets a decent crack from her No14 barrier is the question. Watch out if she does.
There are two extremely impressive barrier trial winners making their debut in Race 3. They are Excaliffraaj (No3) and No Finer Pins (No9). Both are class. The difference could be the barriers — No3 for Excaliffraaj and No11. Balancing that No Finer Pins is excellent out of the barriers and the wide gate may not be total disaster. Whichever way you go, save on the quinella. The main danger to that quinella is I Am Queen (No10), also on debut and drawn the rails.
Small field in Race 5, but it’s not easy to sort out. Chicane (No5) has come up favourite in early betting in her fresh-up run. She boasts a victory over Tiptronic last preparation and that is a good recommendation for this. Even lot with Akoya (No3) making some appeal, but a tricky betting proposition.
High Distinction (No1, R6) has been showing he’s close to a win and it’s likely to come here. He has drawn barrier No1 and will go around with a 2kg apprentice allowance. Excuses may be difficult to find if he doesn’t figure. Sophie’s Choice (No10) drops back to an easier task after two battling runs in strong Listed Stakes events. This is much more likely.
Quintessentially (No5, R7, Taupo Cup) was less than one and a half lengths from the winner in the Wanganui Cup last start and dropping back to R85 she makes a lot of appeal. This is not a massively strong field and with a nice gate and Danielle Johnson aboard she will get her chance.
Woodloveto (No2, R8) is a work in progress, but the effort will eventually be worth it. Physically he is a beast of an animal and his brain is gradually catching up. What beats him here should win.