Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will again be well-represented at their home meeting on Wednesday with a trio of promising three-year-olds among their leading hopes.
The Matamata trainers are understandably keen on the chances of Fastnet Rock fillies Bella Voce and Akenehi, while Darci Brahma’s son Malmaison (NZ) also looms as a top prospect.
All three finished second when opening their current campaigns and with stable jockey Opie Bosson aboard, their chances of going one better look rosy.
Bella Voce will step out in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m) and she hasn’t missed a beat since finishing runner-up over the course and distance last month.
“I thought it was a good effort first up and she has improved with it,” Bergerson said.
“Her work on Saturday morning on the course proper was one of the best pieces of work we have seen from her.
“She doesn’t seem to mind the softer tracks and, fingers crossed with the right run, we’re sure she will be competitive again.
“There will be a few options from the gate (seven) and hopefully she can tuck in behind them.”
Thank You Vaughan Nowell Maiden (1400m) contender Akenehi ran fourth in the same race as Bella Voce when resuming at Matamata and her effort was full of merit after she was crowded out of the barrier and lost a plate during the running.
“It was a good run and it’s a nice race for her. She has drawn out a bit (11), but that might be the place to be later in the day,” Bergerson said.
“She has progressed well since her first-up run and we think the step up to 1400m will suit her.”
Malmaison also suffered an interrupted passage when resuming and with better luck the three-year-old promises to go close to breaking his duck in the MBS Advisors Maiden (1200m).
He was jostled and lost ground at the start on his return at Rotorua and finished off strongly after racing wide without cover.
“It was a very good effort and he’s gone the right way since. He’s another one who seems to enjoy the softer tracks,” Bergerson said.
The Te Akau operation is going through a transition period with the wet track and synthetic performers to fly the flag in the coming weeks.
“It’s a little bit quieter on the racing front, but there’s still plenty happening at home,” Bergerson said.
“We have got a lot of the yearlings working through their early education and it’s good to spend some time with them.
“A lot of the horses who had big seasons and went out for breaks are slowly coming back in before the weather turns really nasty.”
