Tauranga

Today, January 1, 2026Flat1m2fSoft

Verdict

LA DANZA (10) was a fast finishing runner-up on debut and then closed off strongly for sixth at Matamata a fortnight ago. She steps up from a mile to 2100m third up, and should be the one to beat. PILE DRIVER (2) needed his last start and will have less time between starts this time. A good draw will help, and a form reversal is expected. Each way value. ASTARTE (9) is having no luck with her barrier draws and cops another tough gate here. She steps up in trip for her peak effort, and is not without top 4 claims in this modest field. FRENCH THINKER (7) has hit the line strongly for third in her last couple of starts, and will be making her middle-distance debut here. Stick with her. TALL TIMBER (6) is bred to relish getting out over more ground, and has a chance to finish a lot closer this time. Include in all combinations.

10. La Danza
2. Pile Driver
9. Astarte

R1 2100m Mdn

10. 10. La Danza
J: SAM WEATHERLEYT: DARRYN & BRIAR WEATHERLEY
F: 26
Price History:
2.40
Age:
3
Weight:
1-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
51
Days Since Last Run:
14
Verdict
Having third race start. At debut, 2nd of 9 at Arawa Park on December 5 over 1560m, on a slow track; 1.0 len behind Dragon Blossom carrying 56kg at $17.70. Last start 6th of 14 at Matamata on December 19 over 1600m, slow going 3 len behind Los Santos with 55.5kg at $7. Deserves another chance.
2. 2. Pile Driver
J: SAMANTHA COLLETTT: PETER LOCK
F: 5x750
Price History:
11.00
Age:
5
Weight:
1-13
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
46
Days Since Last Run:
14
Verdict
At the latest run 11th of 14 at Matamata on December 19 over 2000m, slow going 10 len behind Bharnstorm carrying 58.5kg at $20.40. The run before that did the work up front then tired 5th of 10 at Ellerslie on December 11 over 1600m, slow going 4.5 len behind Victorious Warrior with 54kg at $21.70. Capable of sharp improvement.
9. 9. Astarte
J: MASAHIRO HASHIZUMET: SIMON & KATRINA ALEXANDER
F: 63x00
Price History:
11.00
Age:
5
Weight:
1-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
50
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Third-up today. Resuming 11th of 14 at Te Aroha on November 11 over 1400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Ploy carrying 53.5kg at $21.40. Second run from a spell second last of 14 at Pukekohe on December 6 over 1600m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Dance The Night with 53.5kg at $25.90. Racing well. Should be cherry ripe third-up and looks very hard to beat.
5. 5. Golden Jacket
J: TAYLA MITCHELLT: CHAD ORMSBY
F: 0860
Price History:
11.00
Age:
3
Weight:
1-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
45
Days Since Last Run:
14
Verdict
Last start faded in the straight 10th of 14 at Matamata on December 19 over 2000m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Bharnstorm with 57kg at $28.40. Before that 6th of 13 at Arawa Park on December 5 over 1950m, slow going 7 len behind Air Dancer carrying 56kg at $10.10. A better run is on the cards.
1. 1. Hazmat
J: CORENTIN BERGET: KYLIE FAWCETT
F: 3x097
Price History:
11.00
Age:
4
Weight:
1-13
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
49
Days Since Last Run:
14
Verdict
Last start from last on the turn 7th of 12 at Matamata on December 19 over 1600m, slow going 4 len behind God Of Eros with 54.5kg at $31.20. Before that 9th of 14 at Te Aroha on November 26 over 1400m, 9 len behind Bethany Dee carrying 58.5kg at $19.20. In the mix.
11. 11. Strathisla
J: CRAIG GRYLLST: ANDREW FORSMAN
F: 0
Price History:
11.00
Age:
3
Weight:
1-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
45
Days Since Last Run:
16
Verdict
At debut, ran last of 11 at Ruakaka on December 17 over 1600m, on a slow track; 10 len behind Relentless carrying 55kg at $6.40. Fitter and can improve.
6. 6. Tall Timber
J: JOE DOYLET: CONOR AND SARAH FAHY
F: 7607
Price History:
13.00
Age:
3
Weight:
1-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
45
Days Since Last Run:
16
Verdict
Last start sat behind the speed prior to fading 7th of 11 at Ruakaka on December 17 over 1600m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Relentless carrying 57kg at $13.60. The start before that ran last of 11 at Pukekohe in the G3 Bonecrusher Stakes on December 6 over 1400m, slow going 11 len behind That's Gold with 57kg at $62.20. Among the better chances in this line up.
4. 4. Winch
J: JACK TAPLINT: STEPHEN RALPH
F: 5x809
Price History:
21.00
Age:
4
Weight:
1-13
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
45
Days Since Last Run:
21
Verdict
Last start 9th of 14 at this track on December 12 over 1500m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Tagalomu carrying 55.5kg at $55.60. The race before that 10th of 12 at Te Aroha on November 26 over 1150m, 12 len behind King's English carrying 58.5kg at $53.80. Prepared to risk on recent form.
8. 8. Sarracina
J: RYAN ELLIOTT: GRAEME & DEBBIE ROGERSON
F: 02555
Price History:
21.00
Age:
4
Weight:
1-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
52
Days Since Last Run:
26
Verdict
Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 8 at Te Aroha on December 7 over 2200m, 7 len behind Honor Mission carrying 56.5kg at $11.20. The run before that 5th of 9 at this track on November 15 over 2100m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Zacabasso with 56.5kg at $7.30. Came from a wide gate and could only manage to finish fifth last time out over 2200m at Te Aroha.
3. 3. Supreme Warrior
J: RIHAAN GOYARAMT: DEAN WILES
F: 9x078
Price History:
34.00
Age:
4
Weight:
1-13
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
45
Days Since Last Run:
14
Verdict
At the latest run got back early 8th of 14 at Matamata on December 19 over 2000m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Bharnstorm with 56.5kg at $120.40. The start before that second last of 8 at Te Aroha on December 7 over 2200m, 9 len behind Honor Mission with 56.5kg at $64.20. Doubt he will threaten the main chances.

Non-Runners

7. French Thinker
J: -T: KELLY VAN DYK
F: x7331
Price History:
4.00
Age:
4
Weight:
1-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
52
Days Since Last Run:
2
Verdict
Last start 3rd of 11 at Ruakaka on December 17 over 1600m, slow going 0.6 len behind Sibella carrying 57.5kg at $11.50. Before that ran on strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 10 at Arawa Park on December 5 over 1560m, on a slow track; 2.75 len behind Orson Stone with 55.5kg at $22.40. Should run well.

Tauranga

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