Let Me Roar contests race 9 at Te Rapa today. Photo / Race Images
They couldn't have named Let Me Roar more accurately.
The unbeaten 3-year-old filly has visited raceday three times and has positively screamed her head off.
The roaring, mainly in distress, has been done by the connections of the opposition.
In each of that trio of starts Let Me Roar has made the opposition look second rate.
Co-trainer Murray Baker is hoping for a better track at Te Rapa today than the weather is indicating, although it may not be a real issue.
The filly struck a slow 7 track last start at Pukekohe and although the 1200m time was useful, plenty of horses on the day had issues with the conditions.
Te Rapa rarely gets very heavy and provided the stable allow her to run, she will be one of the attractions late in the day.
Her stablemate Mongolian Empire (No3, R1) is also hugely talented and can open the day with a win in the first. His last-start win was extremely dominant and he looks destined for top company. Lewis Caroll (No2) is also smart and will be improved by his first-up second here last start.
Kevin Myers loves this sort of thing. The Big Opal (No13) won his first steeplechase on his jumping debut last start and now goes for his hurdling debut. Coming from this stable he will be well schooled in all directions and has the speed to stay handy in a hurdle race.
Thenamesbond (No3, R3) fought strongly under a big weight to be narrowly beaten over hurdles here last start and will be fitter this time. Two things are in his favour - he meets last start victor San Pedro (No4) 3kg better off in the weights and the prospect of wetter footing this time.
Just A Lover (No4, R4) has had one run to fit her for this and she makes great each-way appeal. She has beaten fields as good as this previously. If the track gets to heavy look for an improved run from Scholes (No5).
The Waikato Steeplechase is not an easy betting affair with no real grasp on the fitness levels of a number of runners. Topweight Sea King (No1, R6) has a great record on this track and as the winner here a year ago, makes appeal even with 70kg topweight. Stablemates Krase (No2) and Get Flash (No6) appeal as the dangers in an interesting contest.
Taurus (No2, R7) will benefit greatly from the 3kg Ryan Elliot takes off his back. He has form at Te Rapa and regardless of how much rain arrives, he will not be disadvantaged. Overtheriver (No1) is another with a big apprentice claim.
Tiffany's (No8, R8) is a very progressive mare and although stepping up in grade will be difficult to handle with just 54kg. Our King Sway (No7) is stepping up in class, but he has ability and is value for multiple bettors.
Evoke (No5, R10) has drawn very wide, but at the 1600m start at Te Rapa with its long run down the back straight that may not completely come into play. He is a progressive horse and can win at odds.
This column has always been a massive fan of Cambridge filly Serious Satire who makes her Australian debut in Race 5 at Rosehill this afternoon. Although a little rain may have helped, she will run a race and the Sydney fillies will need to be good to withstand her powerful finish.
Volkstok'n'barrell goes around in the Doomben Cup in Queensland and after his mighty third there last start has to be a royal chance.
Queensland campaign and future sex life cancelled as a star pacer's mind is not on racing.