NZ - Ellerslie - Race 1

Thoroughbred

7 Runners

5.5f

Maiden

Turf

SOFT 5

17.1K

VIEW

Verdict

HOME SECRETARY (2) struggled with the track on debut at Trentham, and was also unsuited by the 4f scamper when finishing third that day, 6 weeks ago. She has won a trial since then and can set the record straight in this. ENCHANTMENT (3) won a trial before finishing third in a 3-horse field at Otaki on debut. She has been freshened up and has won another trial. She has plenty of talent and will go close to winning this. DASHING DIXIE (6) has been close up in a couple of trials and will be well educated. She has the advantage of the pole position for her debut and is sure to be well supported in the market. FIRST LIGHT (7) is a stablemate of the second pick who will be making her debut off the back of 2 encouraging trials. She is bred to improve with time, so to see her racing as a juvenile is a good sign. Watch the market moves. INCANDESCENT (1) was close up in his only public trial to date. He has some breeding about him and can make a positive start to his racing career here.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
2	Was well-supported at debut, 3rd in a small field at Trentham on October 18 over 4f, on rain affected going, 3 len behind Midnight Dart with 121lbs at $3. Won trial at Te Awamutu over 4 ¼f on November 18. Sure to play a major role. 1st Pick 2 Home Secretary Jockey: Matt Cartwright Trainer: Tony Pike J: Matt Cartwright T: Tony Pike	159	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Was well-supported at debut, 3rd in a small field at Trentham on October 18 over 4f, on rain affected going, 3 len behind Midnight Dart with 121lbs at $3. Won trial at Te Awamutu over 4 ¼f on November 18. Sure to play a major role.
3	Returns to racing after only one start. Back after nine weeks break. At debut last start ran last in a small field at Otaki on September 26 over 4f, on rain affected going, 6 len behind De Armas with 121lbs at $3.70. Had two recent trials to get fit for this. Last trial Won a barrier trial over 4f at Avondale on November 14. Everything points to a positive return. 2nd Pick 3 Enchantment Jockey: Vinnie Colgan Trainer: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: Vinnie Colgan T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson	79	-	-	-	16%	11/2
Analysis Returns to racing after only one start. Back after nine weeks break. At debut last start ran last in a small field at Otaki on September 26 over 4f, on rain affected going, 6 len behind De Armas with 121lbs at $3.70. Had two recent trials to get fit for this. Last trial Won a barrier trial over 4f at Avondale on November 14. Everything points to a positive return.
6	Two-year-old filly making debut by Alabama Express out of War Goddess. Was second in a Ellerslie trial over 4f October 23. Might just run a solid race here. 3rd Pick 6 Dashing Dixie Jockey: Craig Grylls Trainer: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Craig Grylls T: Lance O'sullivan & Andrew Scott	85	-	-	-	25%	3/1
Analysis Two-year-old filly making debut by Alabama Express out of War Goddess. Was second in a Ellerslie trial over 4f October 23. Might just run a solid race here.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Main Track Only

A horse entered for main track only (MTO) is one hoping the weather forecast or track conditions will move the race off the turf course and onto the main track. They are scratched the morning of the race if the conditions stay dry.

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.

Dead Heat

Two or more horses finishing so close at the wire, that they were unable to be separated on a photo finish and deemed to have tied.