Racing: Winkle worth the risk

BY MIKE DILLON

Van Winkle has been beaten in his last two races, but is worth the risk in today's Taumarunui Cup at Te Rapa.

There were excuses in both those beaten runs and the race today looks perfect for him.

Van Winkle has a touch of class for a winter handicapper and won this race last year by only one length, but like a horse who was a grade above the opposition.

He has 2kg more to lump this time hut, being a big, strong type the 55.5kg is not going to stop him. Lance O'Sullivan found the right passage for Van Winkle last year and has the same job again.

Winter handicaps on tracks like Te Rapa are notorious for an upset runner somewhere in the trifecta, but this field looks to be heavy at the top with chances and Okiwi Bay, Watch Officer and Ebony Boy look the trifecta chances to couple up with Van Winkle.

In the absence of Zabeel's Angel because of the foot she knocked midweek, Adonis (No 2, R6) looks a real prospect to win the sprint in his first start since October.

It is no easy task winning a race like this without a lead-in, but Adonis has won four of his six starts when coming back from a break. He was carrying big weights towards the end of last winter and although 56.5kg is not easy for a horse who lacks a little in size, he rates highly.

He gets back in running and storms into it and will be suited by the compact field.

Jumping from maiden class is often tough, but Tomorrow's Party (No 2, R3) worked away so well when winning at Wanganui last start that he deserves respect. Jetander, who finished second to him that day, has subsequently won. There is not a huge amount of depth in the opposition and the 1.5kg allowance Finbarr Leahy takes off the 62kg will be important.

Evergreen (No 7, R4) has not been disgraced in recording minor placings since a runaway maiden win and in an even field he looks the one to beat in the intermediate sprint. He has worked well at Cambridge this week and while this track may not ideally suit speed horses, it will take an effort to keep him out.

Esprit (No 3, R8) has a bit of class and looks ready to take a trick after a bold first-up second last start. This race has enormous scope for an upset and Hurricane Strike (No9) is a mudder who could get into the trifecta at good odds. Her best form has been when it has been wet and raining, but even on a tough, holding track she could surprise.

Forgive Le Pulse (No 2, R9) his failure at Ruakaka last start where he found the going a bit sharp for him. Back on a surface which should suit him better he will do something more realistic. His overall form is pretty sound.

There are a couple of good value bets in the last. Travis Tee (No 2, R10) will be hot favourite on his recent form and with Lance O'Sullivan in the saddle, but Hot Streak (No3) and Blumepension (No 5) are both dropping back in class from what they are used to.

Blumepension ran in the Whyte Handicap last start while Travis Tee is not that long out of maidens.