Racing: Forsman: Trio primed for Opunake Cup

A hat-trick of wins beckons New York Minute at New Plymouth. Photo / Race Images

Punters and the TAB have been given yet another challenge around the Baker/Forsman team in tomorrow's $65,000 Listed Powerworx Opunake Cup at New Plymouth.

When New York Minute, Deals in Heels and Tomelilla lined up for the training partners at Tauranga a few weeks ago both punters and the TAB got it right in terms of preference when the three mares filled the first three placings in the order mentioned in this paragraph.

When the TAB posted its early Final Field market yesterday it had clearly gone for the same order for tomorrow — New York Minute $3.40 ($2.70 at Tauranga), Deals in Heels $6.50 ($6) and Tomelilla $9.20 ($6.80).

There is a slight difference — the weight relativity. All three carried 57kg at Tauranga, but this time Deals in Heels meets New York Minute 2kg better off.

At Tauranga, Deals in Heels powered through to head off New York Minute on the home bend and for much of the home straight looked the winner. But the latter fought back determinedly to take a three-quarters of a length decision.

Little doubt an additional 2kg on that occasion would have made that fightback more difficult. With equal runs this time there should be very little between the stablemates.

Tomelilla has a more difficult task. She is up 2.5kg on Deals in Heels and 0.5kg on New York Minute.

Ringo and Taurus are worthy opponents. Taurus may be nine years old, but he remembers where the winning post is placed. Any further rain would assist his chances.

On the heavy footing the track should be well cut up by the last race and light weights will be important. Wiremu Pinn will take 3kg off Grinner's back and the 51kg makes a lot of appeal.

Champion trainer Andrew Forsman said yesterday New York Minute, Deals In Heels and Tomelilla were going into this weekend's feature in prime order.

"All three galloped brilliantly this morning and I can't fault any of them going into this one," he said.

"It's a bit frustrating they have to clash again but this is the right race for them. They are all going really well but there are a few decent ones in there against them again, too."

Safely through tomorrow's race, Forsman will consider New York Minute for the group two Lisa Chittick Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa on August 18, with the group one Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 1 a possibility.

- additional reporting, NZ Racing Desk