Here is our expert runner-by-runner preview of the 2022 Thorndon Mile at Trentham Racecourse, New Zealand. Sportsandracing.news provides free picks and tips worldwide.
1 – MALI STON
Barrier: 5 Trainer: D R Weatherley Rider: Sam Weatherley
Edged out a narrow victory in the G2 Rich Hill over this trip at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. Won 3 prior appearance so is lining up for a 5 timer which always warrants some respect. This is going to be the biggest ask of his career but he can’t be ruled out, especially for exotics.
2 – CONCERT HALL
Barrier: 13 Trainer: R James & R Wellwood Rider: Leith Innes
Bolted up from middle of pack to take out G3 City of Auckland on New Year’s Day. Didn’t land a blow in 8th in the G1 Zabeel Classic at the same course. Proven at this level and is sitting at an appealing price, consider for exotic and each-way purposes.
3 – TWO ILLICIT
Barrier: 10 Trainer: R James & R Wellwood Rider: Vinnie Coglan
Issues in the run in G1 Zabeel Classic but managed a respectable 3rd, took out G1 Captain Cook at Te Rapa in penultimate run over this trip. Has the talent, spirit and attitude to win this. Looks the favourite but isn’t unassailable. Can’t be left out.
4 – VIGOR WINNER
Barrier: 7 Trainer: L Brennan Rider: Kozzi Asano
Hasn’t done much of note to date and isn’t likely to sharpen enough to land much of a blow. Could finish top 4 but that’s probably the limit. Not out of it but not much appeal for win purposes.
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5 – THE CHOSEN ONE
Barrier: 3 Trainer: M Baker & A Forsman Rider: Matthew Cameron
Respectable 5th in Melbourne Cup last year, albeit 10 lengths back. Another decent Australian effort when 3rd in G2 Feehan at Moonee Valley. Races well fresh and is well-treated at the weights. Big danger to the favourite and worth including in all bets.
6 – COVENTINA BAY
Barrier: 1 Trainer: R J Patterson Rider: Craig Grylls
Proving highly popular in the betting, rightly so after bolting up from the back to land the G2 Challenge Stakes at Awapuni. Last seen 2nd in G3 Anniversary Handicap over C&D. Has placed in all 3 outings here. Best of the draw and practically joint favourite. Another that has to be seriously considered, especially for any and all exotics.
7 –PRISE DER FER
Barrier: 8 Trainer: J W Richards Rider: Opie Bosson
Not disgraced in 6th in G1 Zabeel Classic, better in prior outing when out of the gate slowly but strong turn of foot saw 2nd in G1 Captain Cook. Has found the frame at G1 level 4 times and is a strong danger at nice odds. Strong each-way appeal.
8 – HARLECH
Barrier: 2 Trainer: M Moroney & P Gerard Rider: Michael McNab
No impression in Zabeel Classic or Captain Cook but has struck the crossbar here. Well-drawn but another probably limited to top 4 aspirations. Probably worth looking elsewhere unless you love an underdog.
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9 – MASETTO
Barrier: 12 Trainer: S B Marsh Rider: Joe Kamaruddin
Did show a bit of a revival when 5th in G2 Rich Hill but does have a bit to find on this lot. Did win a trial when last sighted but still looks a bit unlikely. Not the worst here but nothing to write home about either.
10 – WILD MOOSE
Barrier: 9 Trainer: L Latta Rider: Robert Hannam
Justified market support when scoring in Awapuni Open Handicap earlier this month. Big up in task for a horse who might not be good enough yet. Look elsewhere.
11 – SCRATCHED
Barrier: Trainer: Rider:
12 – LLANACORD
Barrier: 4 Trainer: S Nickalls Rider: Dylan Turner
Has found the frame in both local appearances and was 2nd to the above in Awapuni Open Handicap. Similarly outclassed and unlikely to be able to land a blow. Roughie for a reason, look elsewhere.
13 – MAI TAI
Barrier: 11 Trainer: J W Richards Rider: Ashvin Goindasamy
Fired up late to chase homer winner in G2 Rich Hill at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. Had excuses for prior 8th in Cal Isuzu at Te Rapa. Lousy draw but classy enough to be a contender at a nice price, good for an exotic at least.
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This is the full field of the 2022 Thorndon Mile at Trentham Racecourse. Good luck with your bets! Sportsandracing.news provides free racing picks worldwide.
