FRIDAY 23 DEC AT MATAMATA

Friday 23 December at Matamata

Weather: cloudy, track: Heavy9, rail: true.

1:48 p.m. R3 19 Karapiro (3 g Tavistock – Aotearower, by Shamardal) – Craig Zackey; finished back on rain-affected Heavy9 when debuting in the Maiden 1200 metres on 9 December at Tauranga, and steps up in the $14,000 Maiden 1400 metres. His dam impressed winning over 1600 metres, including Matamata, and grand-dam Kaatoon (Kaapstad) impressed winning the Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (Gr. 2, 2000m) and Lowland Stakes (Gr. 3, 2100m). Much depends on handling conditions. Fixed odds: $11.00 & $3.50.

3:03 p.m. R5 1 Order to Charge (3 g War Decree – Colonel’s Daughter, by Hinchinbrook) – Craig Zackey; worked to lead before being swamped late for fresh-up fourth in the Maiden 1200 metres on 7 December at Hastings, and contests the $14,000 Maiden 3YO 1200 metres. Still developing, but done little wrong and shapes to race well if appreciative of conditions. Fixed odds: $6.50 & $2.20. Pictured: sire War Decree (War Front)

4:14 p.m. R7 15 Catherinenz (3 f Shamexpress – Grey Sapphire, by Guillotine) – Jake Bayliss; finished fourth in trial on 29 November at Avondale, and she debuts in the $14,000 Maiden 1050 metres. She has good manners, drawn the ace, but required to appreciate conditions. Fixed odds: $15.00 & $3.20.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard said: “Karapiro strikes heavy again which is not ideal, but we want to get him out racing and he steps up to 1400 metres on his home track. He is well and we are happy with him.”

“Order To Charge is drawn (4) to receive a more economical trip than last two starts. We are happy with him and he has shown to work well enough on soft ground.” Pictured: sire War Decree (War Front)

“Catherinenz is ready for her debut race, does things right, and while heavy ground may not be too her liking it is a good opportunity to get her out on the home course.”