Racing: Kachhi needs good result at Te Rapa

Danielle Johnson should be able to put Kachhi in the perfect position today. Photo / NZ Racing Desk

Kachhi doesn't have only the pressure of her owners to carry through today at Te Rapa, she has her immediate racing programme to put in place.

Trainer Chris Gibbs would like to run Kachhi in the upcoming Avondale Cup, but needs to see the mare justify that this afternoon.

If the impressive Kachhi is to be a danger in the Avondale Cup she would need to go close in this R75 staying task. The 56kg is not exactly a light weight for a mare over 2100m, but there are only two runners on a lighter level and from a nice barrier Danielle Johnson should be able to put her into the perfect position.

With the early favourite Glendalough likely to run instead in Race 6, the opener could be a vehicle for a debut runner in Georgian Ease (No3, R1).

The Super Easy gelding looked good winning a Matamata barrier trial and will have the benefit here of the rail barrier for Maija Vance.

Jimmy Rocket (No1) has a bit of experience on many of these and can finish his races off nicely, but the question is where will he end up after 200m from his wide barrier. He will probably have to drop back a few pairs, which will add to his task. De Koning (No2) was well beaten last start, but is capable of getting some of this.

Gravano (No2, R2) will probably need a middle distance very quickly, but will go close to getting away with another 1600m today.

He was caught three wide at Ellerslie last start and did well to finish fifth, within 1.1 lengths from winner Hiflyer. This field is not quite as strong and he will be very competitive.

Wildflower (No4) is capable of getting some of it.

Race 3 is a no-bet affair and Race 4 is worth a look, but it is a wide open affair. Epae Road (No4) is starting to finally put a solid record together. He stuck it out well to win at Rotorua last start, but this time has an awkward barrier at No11, not ideal over 2100m at Te Rapa. He has Opie Bosson to help him with that. Korakonui (No7) finishes her races off well, which could get her some of this and Princess Dillon (No8) is looking promising.

If Glendalough (No9, R5) starts here in preference to the 1400m of Race 1 she should be difficult to keep out. She made a real impression storming home into second at Pukekohe on debut last start and should appreciate the additional 200m here. Starrybeel (No3) raced like a real stayer in the making when sticking on well over 1400m at Pukekohe on debut. If he is in the first half of the field on the home bend today he should be right in the fight.

Sir Linwood (No4) looked like he was wanting 1600m when a handy fifth at Ellerslie last time and gets that here. He will be tough if he makes better use of his No1 barrier than he made of his inside gate last time.

Have something on Griffin (No1, R7) today and follow him. He is smarter than his paper form suggests and should run a big race here fresh from a nice gate.

Legramor (No4, R8) was beaten favourite here last start, but she is the way to go again this time. Thatsforsure (No7) is the value runner.