Alexandra Park Race 8

DAWSON HARFORD TAYLOR MILE MOBILE PACE

Prize Money: -

MERLIN (8) came from a similar barrier and loomed ominously in last week's The Race at Cambridge and while he couldn't catch the champ Leap To Fame he kept chasing strongly to place. Owns a terrific record at this circuit, winning 10 of 15 attempts. He is good enough to overcome the wide draw and win. MO'UNGA (3) draws much lower than when midfield at Cambridge last start and was a close second to a topliner here two back. He should be peaking now and gets his chance from the favourable barrier. REPUBLICAN PARTY (6) hasn't quite found his best since returning to NZ but if he performs up to his previous Australian form he would go close. SOONER THE BETTOR (2) is rarely out of the money at this circuit and draws to enjoy the favours.
  • Distance: 1609m
  • Class: FFA MOB
  • Track: fast
  • Weather: fine
  • Surface: All Weather
Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years

Racing and Sports™ Trusted form provider for 20+ years

1Arna Donnelly
  • Jolimont (Fr1) 31510
  • Trainer: Arna Donnelly (Cambridge)
  • Driver: Tony Herlihy
  • Prize Money: -
  • Win / Place: 30% / 51%
Track Specialist

5 yo Brown Gelding

Sire: Sweet Lou

Dam: Running On Faith

Dam's Sire: Soky's Atom

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years94

Rating

Stats
Career
33: 10-5-2
Distance
8: 4-0-0
Trk/Dst
3: 2-0-0
Track
20: 8-1-1
Season
10: 4-0-1
1st Up
5: 2-2-0
2nd Up
5: 3-0-0
3rd Up
4: 2-1-0
Metro
20: 8-1-1
Non-Metro
13: 2-4-1
Mobile
26: 8-5-1
Standing
7: 2-0-1
All-Weather
33: 10-5-2
Slushy
5: 1-2-0
Best Mile
1:52.50
Gear Changes

Blinds ON [Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments
Drew wide last start; 11th (Fr7) over 2200m at this track, beaten 35 m by Don't Stop Dreaming (2:36.60) on March 21 at $15.10. Showed ability the outing before when he won by 2.5 m (Fr5) at this track (2:02.50) beating Frisco Bay in on March 14 at $4.60. Has a better draw this time so can do better.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
11th of 1221/3/25Auckland2200mMobileAll WeatherFr7Tony Herlihy1:54.51:54.535.0m $15 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Don't Stop Dreaming

2. Mo'unga

3. Little Spike

1st of 914/3/25Auckland1700mMobileAll WeatherFr5Tony Herlihy2:02.501:55.90.0m $4.70 73FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Jolimont

2. Frisco Bay

3. Little Spike

73 Day Spell
5th of 1231/12/24Auckland3200mStandingAll WeatherFr2David Butcher2:00.72:00.714.3m $16 11FFA PACE--

1. Republican Party

2. Merlin

3. Sooner The Bettor

1st of 1120/12/24Auckland1609mMobileAll WeatherFr7Greg Sugars1:54.901:54.90.0m $3.20 74YO+ R63 to R99 MOB. PACE--

1. Jolimont

2. Sooner The Bettor

3. Kango

3rd of 713/12/24Auckland2700mStandingAll Weather10m1Tony Herlihy2:00.82:00.84.8m $3.20 14R61 & faster DiscrHcp PACE--

1. Miki Shan

2. The Big Lebowski

3. Jolimont

1st of 729/11/24Auckland2700mStandingAll Weather20m1David Butcher3:21.402:00.00.0m $3.00f 14R62 to R73 DiscrHcp PACE--

1. Jolimont

2. Lady Of The Light

3. Village Rebel

2Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan
  • Sooner The Bettor (Fr2) 03685
  • Trainer: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan (Clevedon)
  • Driver: Scott Phelan
  • Prize Money: -
  • Win / Place: 16% / 66%

5 yo Brown Horse

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Lucky Pocket

Dam's Sire: In The Pocket

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years95

Rating

Stats
Career
42: 7-14-7
Distance
20: 2-6-1
Trk/Dst
3: 0-2-0
Track
18: 5-6-4
Season
14: 3-2-3
1st Up
4: 3-1-0
2nd Up
4: 1-0-2
3rd Up
4: 1-0-1
Metro
25: 5-9-5
Non-Metro
17: 2-5-2
Mobile
36: 5-14-5
Standing
6: 2-0-2
All-Weather
35: 7-14-7
Slushy
2: 0-2-0
Best Mile
1:53.50
Gear Changes

Removable Deafeners OFF, Blinds OFF

Comments
Last start 5th (Fr2) over 1609m at Cambridge Raceway beaten 10 m by Chase A Dream (1:51.40) on March 28 at $6.30. At his previous start 8th (Sr2) over 2200m at this track beaten 16 m by Don't Stop Dreaming (2:36.60) on March 21 at $14.80. Can play a role from the low draw.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
5th of 1028/3/25WaikBoP1609mMobileAll WeatherFr2Scott Phelan1:51.41:51.410.5m $4.90 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Chase A Dream

2. Merlin

3. Pinseeker

8th of 1221/3/25Auckland2200mMobileAll WeatherSr10Scott Phelan1:54.51:54.516.7m $14 13FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Don't Stop Dreaming

2. Mo'unga

3. Little Spike

6th of 88/3/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr3Gavin Fitzpatrick1:48.401:48.48.8m $51 7No NR$1,000,000$40,000

1. Don Hugo

2. Leap To Fame

3. Tact McLeod

3rd of 101/3/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr8Gavin Fitzpatrick1:48.801:48.82.0m $51 14No NR$100,000$11,000

1. Don Hugo

2. Catch A Wave

3. Sooner The Bettor

10th of 1015/2/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr5Gavin Fitzpatrick1:48.801:48.814.9m $6.00 46No NR$20,400$400

1. Max Delight

2. Captains Knock

3. Ardens Ace

46 Day Freshen-Up
3rd of 1231/12/24Auckland3200mStandingAll WeatherFr6Scott Phelan2:00.72:00.710.5m $24 11FFA PACE--

1. Republican Party

2. Merlin

3. Sooner The Bettor

3Regan Todd
  • Mo'unga (Fr3) 61626
  • Trainer: Regan Todd (Yaldhurst)
  • Driver: Robbie Close
  • Prize Money: -
  • Win / Place: 39% / 50%

6 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: O Baby

Dam's Sire: Christian Cullen

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years94

Rating

Stats
Career
28: 11-1-2
Distance
2: 0-0-0
Track
2: 0-1-0
Season
12: 4-1-0
1st Up
5: 2-0-0
2nd Up
5: 1-1-1
3rd Up
5: 2-0-0
Metro
2: 0-1-0
Non-Metro
26: 11-0-2
Mobile
8: 3-1-0
Standing
20: 8-0-2
All-Weather
21: 8-1-1
Slushy
1: 1-0-0
Grass
7: 3-0-1
Best Mile
1:56.20
Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners]

Comments
Last start 6th (Fr8) over 1609m at Cambridge Raceway, beaten 13 m by Chase A Dream (1:51.40) on March 28 at $9.70. Before that, a game effort when 2nd (Sr1) over 2200m at this track, beaten a neck by Don't Stop Dreaming (2:36.60) on March 21 at $6.90. Can threaten from a low draw.

Expected Settling Position: Pace

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
6th of 1028/3/25WaikBoP1609mMobileAll WeatherFr8Bob Butt1:51.41:51.413.4m $9.50 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Chase A Dream

2. Merlin

3. Pinseeker

2nd of 1221/3/25Auckland2200mMobileAll WeatherSr9Tim Williams1:54.51:54.50.3m $6.30 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Don't Stop Dreaming

2. Mo'unga

3. Little Spike

6th of 914/3/25Auckland1700mMobileAll WeatherFr7Craig Ferguson1:55.91:55.97.3m $5.20 71FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Jolimont

2. Frisco Bay

3. Little Spike

71 Day Spell
1st of 52/1/25Cent Otago2000mMobileAll WeatherFr5Robbie Close2:26.701:58.00.0m $1.70 13FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Mo'unga

2. One Change

3. Pinseeker

6th of 920/12/24Invcargill2700mStandingAll Weather10m1Robbie Close1:59.81:59.813.4m $2.90 7R70 to R120 SpecHcp PACE--

1. Republican Party

2. Dalton Shard

3. Charlie Brown

1st of 713/12/24NZ Metro1980mMobileAll WeatherFr6Robbie Close2:23.101:56.20.0m $3.00 313YO+ FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Mo'unga

2. Renegade

3. Republican Party

31 Day Freshen-Up
4Arna Donnelly
  • Little Spike (Fr4) 14330
  • Trainer: Arna Donnelly (Cambridge)
  • Driver: Crystal Hackett (J)
  • Prize Money: -
  • Win / Place: 33% / 44%
Nearing Another Win

4 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Terror To Love

Dam: Key Operator

Dam's Sire: Armbro Operative

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years93

Rating

Stats
Career
18: 6-0-2
Distance
2: 0-0-0
Track
8: 2-0-2
Season
12: 2-0-2
1st Up
3: 1-0-1
2nd Up
3: 1-0-1
3rd Up
3: 1-0-0
Metro
8: 2-0-2
Non-Metro
10: 4-0-0
Mobile
17: 5-0-2
Standing
1: 1-0-0
All-Weather
18: 6-0-2
Best Mile
1:56.60
Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments
Last start 10th (Fr3) over 1609m at Cambridge Raceway well beaten by Chase A Dream (1:51.40) on March 28 at $19.30. Two runs back 3rd (Fr2) over 2200m at this track, beaten 8 m by Don't Stop Dreaming (2:36.60) on March 21 at $32.40. Will find this tough.

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
10th of 1028/3/25WaikBoP1609mMobileAll WeatherFr3Crystal Hackett1:51.41:51.4390.1m $20 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Chase A Dream

2. Merlin

3. Pinseeker

3rd of 1221/3/25Auckland2200mMobileAll WeatherFr2Crystal Hackett1:54.51:54.58.3m $37 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Don't Stop Dreaming

2. Mo'unga

3. Little Spike

3rd of 914/3/25Auckland1700mMobileAll WeatherFr4Crystal Hackett1:55.91:55.93.2m $13 64FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Jolimont

2. Frisco Bay

3. Little Spike

64 Day Spell
4th of 69/1/25WaikBoP2200mMobileAll WeatherFr1Zachary Butcher1:59.81:59.82.7m $5.80 16FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Republican Party

2. Don't Stop Dreaming

3. Kango

1st of 824/12/24WaikBoP2700mStandingAll Weather20m1Samantha Ottley3:20.601:59.50.0m $3.50 183YO+ R50 & faster DiscrHcp PACE--

1. Little Spike

2. Fernleigh Cash

3. Le Major

1st of 116/12/24Auckland2200mMobileAll WeatherSr11Bob Butt2:41.901:58.40.0m $2.80 213YO+ R50 to R64 MOB. PACE--

1. Little Spike

2. Hawkeye Pierce

3. Always B Elite

5Hayden & Amanda Cullen
  • We Walk By Faith (Fr5) 59655
  • Trainer: Hayden & Amanda Cullen (West Melton)
  • Driver: Matthew White
  • Prize Money: -
  • Win / Place: 28% / 52%

4 yo Brown Gelding

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Wicked Nights

Dam's Sire: Art Major

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years92

Rating

Stats
Career
25: 7-4-2
Distance
5: 0-0-0
Track
3: 1-0-1
Season
12: 2-1-1
1st Up
3: 2-0-1
2nd Up
3: 1-0-0
3rd Up
3: 0-1-0
Metro
8: 2-0-1
Non-Metro
17: 5-4-1
Mobile
24: 7-4-2
Standing
1: 0-0-0
All-Weather
20: 6-4-2
Best Mile
1:57.00
Gear Changes

Sliding Blinds ON [Removable Deafeners, Sliding Blinds]

Comments
Didn't do much at the last run, 5th (25m 1) over 2700m at Cambridge Raceway, beaten 4.5 m by Matai Phil (3:22.50) on April 4 at $3.20. Before that 5th (Sr4) over 2200m at this track, beaten 11 m by Don't Stop Dreaming (2:36.60) on March 21 at $49.40. Prefer others.

Expected Settling Position: Off Pace

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
5th of 114/4/25WaikBoP2700mStandingAll Weather25m1Matthew White2:00.72:00.74.6m $4.10 14R54 & faster DiscrHcp PACE--

1. Matai Phil

2. Boudica

3. The Surfer

5th of 1221/3/25Auckland2200mMobileAll WeatherSr12Matthew White1:54.51:54.511.0m $57 20FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Don't Stop Dreaming

2. Mo'unga

3. Little Spike

6th of 101/3/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr2Blake Fitzpatrick1:49.101:49.16.6m $51 7No NR$250,000$3,750

1. Bay Of Biscay

2. Charge Ahead

3. Major Hot

9th of 1022/2/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr2Blake Fitzpatrick1:49.801:49.810.8m $12 7No NR$50,000$750

1. Our Luciano

2. Charge Ahead

3. Stormryder

5th of 1015/2/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr7Blake Fitzpatrick1:49.801:49.814.6m $21 22No NR$50,000$2,000

1. Bay Of Biscay

2. War Dan Buddy

3. Major Hot

1st of 35/2/25M Cant TOA2400mStanding-Hayden Cullen--0.0m $0.00 -SpecHcp PACE$0-

1. We Walk By Faith

2. He's Tough

3.

6Cran & Chrissie Dalgety
  • Republican Party (Fr6) 33466
  • Trainer: Cran & Chrissie Dalgety (West Melton)
  • Driver: Carter Dalgety (J)
  • Prize Money: -
  • Win / Place: 36% / 59%

6 yo Bay Horse

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Democrat Party

Dam's Sire: American Ideal

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years95

Rating

Stats
Career
52: 19-5-7
Distance
8: 3-0-0
Trk/Dst
1: 0-0-0
Track
8: 1-0-1
Season
15: 5-0-4
1st Up
7: 3-1-0
2nd Up
7: 2-1-0
3rd Up
7: 4-1-1
Metro
14: 2-0-3
Non-Metro
38: 17-5-4
Mobile
36: 14-3-5
Standing
16: 5-2-2
All-Weather
46: 18-5-7
Slushy
3: 1-1-0
Grass
1: 1-0-0
Best Mile
1:52.40
Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments
Capable of better than we have seen lately. Last start 6th (Fr3) in The Race over 2200m at Cambridge Raceway, beaten 19 m by Leap To Fame (2:33.50) on April 4 at $24.10. The run previous 6th (Fr8) over 2200m at this track beaten 13 m by Don't Stop Dreaming (2:36.60) on March 21 at $3. Capable of better and has to be included among the main chances.

Expected Settling Position: Pace

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
6th of 104/4/25WaikBoP2200mMobileAll WeatherFr3Carter Dalgety1:52.31:52.319.4m $21 14FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Leap To Fame

2. Chase A Dream

3. Merlin

6th of 1221/3/25Auckland2200mMobileAll WeatherFr8Carter Dalgety1:54.51:54.513.7m $3.00 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Don't Stop Dreaming

2. Mo'unga

3. Little Spike

4th of 914/3/25Auckland1700mMobileAll WeatherFr8Carter Dalgety1:55.91:55.95.4m $2.60 41FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Jolimont

2. Frisco Bay

3. Little Spike

41 Day Freshen-Up
4th of 56/3/25N Cnty TOA2000mMobile-Carter Dalgety--m $0.00 -R69 to R111 MOB. PACE$0-

1. Rakero Rocket

2.

3.

3rd of 121/2/25Melton2760mMobileAll WeatherFr1C J Dalgety3:11.801:51.90.2m $7.00 7No NR$250,000$25,000

1. Swayzee

2. Leap To Fame

3. Republican Party

3rd of 1125/1/25Melton2240mMobileAll WeatherSr4C J Dalgety2:36.701:52.610.1m $26 16No NR$30,000$3,000

1. Leap To Fame

2. Tact McLeod

3. Republican Party

8Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan
  • Merlin (Fr8) 22623
  • Trainer: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan (Clevedon)
  • Driver: Zachary Butcher
  • Prize Money: -
  • Win / Place: 53% / 87%
Track Specialist

5 yo Bay Horse

Sire: Art Major

Dam: Imaginary Bet

Dam's Sire: Bettor's Delight

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years100

Rating

Stats
Career
39: 21-7-6
Distance
16: 10-2-1
Trk/Dst
2: 1-0-1
Track
15: 10-2-2
Season
11: 3-4-2
1st Up
5: 2-2-1
2nd Up
5: 4-0-1
3rd Up
5: 4-0-1
Metro
20: 11-4-2
Non-Metro
19: 10-3-4
Mobile
34: 19-5-6
Standing
5: 2-2-0
All-Weather
34: 20-7-6
Best Mile
1:52.10
Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners]

Comments
Good run when beaten by 5.5 m finishing second behind Chase A Dream at Cambridge Raceway over 1609m on March 28 at $2.20. Then a handy effort when third behind Leap To Fame in The Race at Cambridge Raceway over 2200m on April 4 at $11.50. Has an impressive strike rate here and looks hard to hold out.

Expected Settling Position: Off Midfield

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
3rd of 104/4/25WaikBoP2200mMobileAll WeatherFr7Zachary Butcher1:52.31:52.311.6m $13 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Leap To Fame

2. Chase A Dream

3. Merlin

2nd of 1028/3/25WaikBoP1609mMobileAll WeatherSr11Zachary Butcher1:51.41:51.45.4m $2.00 27FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Chase A Dream

2. Merlin

3. Pinseeker

6th of 101/3/25Menangle1609mMobileAll WeatherFr1Zachary Butcher1:48.601:48.611.8m $3.10f 7No NR$100,000$1,500

1. Swayzee

2. Tact McLeod

3. Captain Ravishing

2nd of 822/2/25Menangle2300mMobileAll WeatherFr1Gavin Fitzpatrick2:41.201:52.81.2m $2.60 53No NR$20,400$3,400

1. Don Hugo

2. Merlin

3. Speak The Truth, Terry

53 Day Freshen-Up
2nd of 1231/12/24Auckland3200mStandingAll WeatherFr7Zachary Butcher2:00.72:00.72.4m $2.60 25FFA PACE--

1. Republican Party

2. Merlin

3. Sooner The Bettor

3rd of 76/12/24NZ Metro2600mMobileAll WeatherFr6Zachary Butcher1:57.31:57.31.6m $2.40 214YO MOB. PACE--

1. Rakero Rocket

2. Charlie Brown

3. Merlin

9Tom Bamford
  • Rakero Rocket (Sr1) 21247
  • Trainer: Tom Bamford (Rangiora)
  • Driver: Gavin Smith
  • Prize Money: -
  • Win / Place: 40% / 65%

5 yo Brown Gelding

Sire: Rock N Roll Heaven

Dam: Motu Pocket O'Jewels

Dam's Sire: In The Pocket

Racing and Sports - Trusted form provider for 20+ years96

Rating

Stats
Career
20: 8-4-1
Distance
2: 1-0-0
Season
11: 4-2-1
1st Up
3: 2-0-0
2nd Up
3: 0-1-1
3rd Up
2: 2-0-0
Non-Metro
20: 8-4-1
Mobile
14: 7-3-0
Standing
6: 1-1-1
All-Weather
18: 7-4-1
Grass
2: 1-0-0
Best Mile
1:53.70
Gear Changes

Sliding Blinds OFF [Removable Deafeners]

Comments
Last start 7th (Sr2) over 2200m at Cambridge Raceway, beaten 35 m by Leap To Fame (2:33.50) on April 4 at $117.20. At the run before 4th (Fr5) over 1609m at Cambridge Raceway, beaten 8 m by Chase A Dream (1:51.40) on March 28 at $11.90. Consider.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start
PlaceDateTrackDistanceStartSurfaceBarrierDriverRace TimeMile RateMarginSPDaysClassPrizePrize WonResult
7th of 104/4/25WaikBoP2200mMobileAll WeatherSr10Gavin Smith1:52.31:52.335.0m $54 7FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Leap To Fame

2. Chase A Dream

3. Merlin

4th of 1028/3/25WaikBoP1609mMobileAll WeatherFr5Gavin Smith1:51.41:51.48.6m $13 14FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Chase A Dream

2. Merlin

3. Pinseeker

2nd of 914/3/25NZ Metro1980mMobileAll WeatherFr8Gavin Smith1:55.51:55.510.0m $2.90 61MOB. PACE--

1. Pinseeker

2. Rakero Rocket

3. Renegade

61 Day Spell
1st of 56/3/25N Cnty TOA2000mMobile-Gavin Smith--0.0m $0.00 -R69 to R111 MOB. PACE$0-

1. Rakero Rocket

2. Renegade

3.

5th of 824/2/25N Cnty TOA2000mMobile-Gavin Smith--m $0.00 -R40 & faster MOB. PACE$0-

1. Beach Ball

2.

3.

1st of 612/1/25Nelson HRC1609mMobileAll WeatherFr5Gavin Smith1:53.701:53.70.0m $1.70 2FFA MOB. PACE--

1. Rakero Rocket

2. Xlendi

3. Built For Glory