FRIDAY AT MATAMATA

Matamata Racing Club at Matamata

As on Thursday 7 December the conditions were: fine and Good3, rail true. No rain forecast.

12.42 p.m. R1 10 Press My Buttons (4 m Raise the Flag – Ignite, by Yamanin Vital) – Jake Bayliss; worked home solidly from the rear for fifth, despite Slow8 footing, in the Maiden 2000 metres on 8 November at Waipa, won by subsequent Wellington Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) runner-up Trail Blazer (Roc de Cambes). Her fresh-up run over a mile was good and she rates a genuine each way chance from barrier two in the $10,000 Maiden 2000 metres. Fixed odds: $5.50 & $2.00.

1.52 p.m. R3 10 La Estrella (4 m Cape Blanco – Star Charm, by Cape Cross) – Jake Bayliss; made up plenty for third on debut in the Maiden 1200 metres on 27 October at Pukekohe, when confronted with Heavy10 footing, having trialled well on yielding ground prior. Ideally drawn (4) in the $10,000 Maiden 1400 metres, there seems no reason why improved conditions would hinder and another bold effort can be forthcoming. Fixed odds: $7.20 & $2.50.

2.27 p.m. R4 21 Embeya (4 g Rip Van Winkle – Wiffle, by Red Ransom) – Jake Bayliss; ran a faster last 600m (34.6) than the winner, O’Hara (Rip Van Winkle), despite finishing back in the field when resuming in the Maiden 1400 metres on 11 November at Te Rapa. Entered for the $10,000 Maiden 1600 metres, but looking to gain a start off the ballot. Fixed odds: $16.00 & $4.50.

4.12 p.m. R7 7 Avec Moi (4 m Pour Moi – Fuji Belle, by Fuji Kiseki) – Jake Bayliss; resumes from barrier seven in the $10,000 Rating 65 1200 metres and although without a trial she has strengthened and pleased in training. A winner third up, over 1400 metres, last November, she will improve for the run and over more ground but by the same token is capable of a solid first up performance. Fixed odds: $12.00 & 3.80.