We have expert betting tips for the cards this Saturday in New Zealand, featuring the big meetings from Trentham and Riccarton Park.
There is plenty of value available with bookmakers at the New Zealand meetings they usually kick off early, so it’s a quality entrée to the Australian gallops.
Headlining the card at Trentham is the Group 1 Thorndon Mile and the 3200m Wellington Cup.
All odds are with Sportsbet – our No. 1 rated bookmaker. You can join Sportsbet by clicking HERE.
New Zealand horse racing tips
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Trentham
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Race 2. (11:05) Little Avondale Big on Winning Premier (1200m)
#2 – I Wish I Win @ $2.70 – Bet @ Sportsbet
The three-year-old gelding is a class act and although beaten in the Guineas, he meets an easier field.
He is a son of Savabeel who owns a win and four placings from six starts, so he has had a freshen up and he should be ready to fire.
Stopping the Jamie Richards stable has proven difficult, so put him on top.
Race 4. (12:15) Life Direct Premier (1000m)
#5 – Hold the Press @ $4.50 – Bet @ Sportsbet
Most of the early money has come for Hold the Press, who finished second behind Lincoln’s Cruz last start, but she could turn the tables.
The four-year-old mare by Press Statement is a three-time winner from eight starts and she is unbeaten in two second-up starts.
That bodes well and having Opie Bosson in the saddle is a bonus.
Race 6. (13:25) NZ Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m)
#2 – La Crique @ $3 – Bet @ Sportsbet
La Crique dug deep to win at Ellerslie last start and the impressive three-year-old filly could win again.
The daughter of Vadamos owns three wins from five starts and it’s only a matter of time before she wins in stakes company.
Drawing barrier four is ideal and punters have come for her in early markets, so put her on top.
Race 7. (14:00) Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m)
#5 – The Chosen One @ $6 – Bet @ Sportsbet
The Chosen One is the class runner of the field having run fifth in the Melbourne Cup last time out.
He returns to New Zealand where it all started, so it would make for a great story if he was to win over 1600m.
The distance is short of his best and he might be better suited to the Wellington Cup, but carrying 55kg is a steal and we’re in his camp.
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Riccarton Park
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Race 2. (10:45) Nobby Russell Memorial 2YO (800m)
#2 – No Drama @ $2.10 – Bet @ Sportsbet
The two-year-old gelding by Ghibellines scored an emphatic trial win and he looks like a speedy type in the making.
Drawing outside the second favourite is ideal at Riccarton, as being stuck on the inside can be troublesome as they turn for home.
It’ll be a quick sprint over 800m and we like No Drama’s chances.
Race 3. (11:20) Karaka 2022 March (1200m)
#1 – Challa @ $4 – Bet @ Sportsbet
The Tangerine Army could strike in the south with Challa, who has been right around the mark this season.
He finished a nose behind Okay Pal on this track last year and that should be an excellent form guide. His best races come on this track with five starts for four second placings.
3kg comes off his back and punters should get a good sight.
Race 6. (13:08) KAM Transport Marlborough Cup (2000m)
#9 – Aljay @ $4 – Bet @ Sportsbet
Aljay won at Awapuni two back and followed it up with a placing at Greymouth, which didn’t suit the Kevin Myers runner.
The four-year-old wants a roomy track and he gets it at Riccarton, so with only 54kg on his back, he has to be considered as a winning chance.
In-form rider Tina Comignaghi rides and that should give punters a confidence boost.
Race 8. (14:18) Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1400m)
#1 – Live Drama @ $7 – Bet @ Sportsbet
Live Drama owns six wins and five placings from 19 starts and she could give Lance Robinson a winning double on Saturday.
The five-year-old loves racing at Riccarton with three wins and two placings, so there is no reason why she shouldn’t be competitive in the feature race.
Carrying 60kg is the only thing going against her, but class takes her close.
Once again, all odds are with Sportsbet – our No. 1 rated bookmaker. You can join Sportsbet by clicking HERE.
