Racing: Private Hero good chance at Te Rapa

Riddell's immediate attention will turn to Otaki today, when he continues a successful association with the Evan and JJ Rayner-trained Taurus in the Otaki Handicap (1300m). Photo / Thinkstock

Even with a slight question mark over his head regarding the Te Rapa track conditions, Private Hero (No3, R5) appeals as a real prospect this afternoon.

Private Hero has looked impressive finishing off his races over distances up to 1600m and gets his chance at 2100m today.

He has drawn an inside gate and Leith Innes should be able to position him to advantage in the short run to the first bend.

His dam is by Zabeel and middle-distance racing looks certain to be his future.

Cool Hand Duke (No8) won well on this track two starts back and remains in the same grading with very little increased weight.

The Jungle Boy (No2, R1) probably would have won at Ruakaka last start but for twice being interfered with in the home straight. He is twice a previous winner at Te Rapa, which is always an impressive stat.

Allyoop (No1, R2) has it on most of the opposition in terms of class, but she tackles 1600m for the first time and faces a relatively tough task under 58kg. She finished strongly to win easily at 1400m on this track a few starts back and 1600m may not be an impossible stretch for her. The weight is what makes it an interesting equation. Mistaar (No6) did not figure in the Spoke To Carlo race at Otaki, but is better than that and is worth another look.

Lord Bentley (No5, R6) looks one of the better bets on the card. He has caught the eye with his strong finishes in only a couple of visits to the races and this race looks well within his grasp to quit maidens. Lots of chances, but he looks the go.

Unquestionably, it's magnificent to see good horses back on raceday.

The $100,000 Lisa Chittick Foxbridge Plate is appropriately a great line-up. We're sticking with Kawi (No4, R7) even though Ryan Mark is all the rage with the TAB punters. Kawi will be in for a massive season. Have something on today and stay with him. Ryan Mark (No6) is definitely the one to beat. His Ruakaka barrier trial win was fabulous and you only need to hark back to his form this time last year. Pussy O'Reilly (No12) is the value for multiple bets.

Packing Chaparrel (No4, R8) is a good chance late in the day and in the last El Pescado (No7) was a good thing beaten when pushed into the running rail at Ruakaka last start.

— Jonathan Riddell has put his temporary return to jumps riding on ice as he focuses on securing further big-race success on the flat.

The versatile Palmerston North jockey has become one of the most reliable big-race jockeys in recent seasons, picking up this year's group one New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes on the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Diademe and as the regular rider of horse of the year Jimmy Choux a couple of seasons back.

Riddell was forced to withdraw Wotabuzz from last Saturday's Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton after a bad jump with 1000m to run and said that would be his last jumps ride for a while.

Riddell's immediate attention will turn to Otaki today, when he continues a successful association with the Evan and JJ Rayner-trained Taurus in the Otaki Handicap (1300m).

Riddell has combined with the No Excuse Needed 7-year-old on five occasions for two wins and two placings, only their last-start fast-finishing fourth at Otaki blotting the copybook.

Riddell's other rides at Otaki are Wiggle, Karching, Another Bachelor and Conroy.

- Additional reporting NZ Racing Desk