Need an insider tip? Keen to know how the track is shaping up?
Here's your preview to Great Northern Day, complete with Craig Baker's thoughts on the day's feature races.
Due to Auckland's current alert level, Great Northern Day will not be able to take place at Ellerslie Racecourse as originally programmed. The raceday will now be held at Te Aroha Racecourse. Click here for more information.
Track update
The Te Aroha track reading on Friday morning was a Slow 8.
The forecast looks good for the next couple of days so the track should improve to be in the Soft 7 range.
Feature race preview
RACE 4 | $125,000 Paul Bibby Memorial Great Northern Hurdle | Prestige Jumping Race | OPN HDL | 4200m | 1.55pm
The Cossack has had a phenomenal season over hurdles winning the Waikato, Wellington and Grand National Hurdles and, while he will be very tough to beat, I am tipping Dr Hank.
The Harvey Wilson-trained Dr Hank won the open hurdle at Te Aroha two weeks ago and importantly, receives five and half kilos from The Cossack.
The dangers include The Cossack and Chief Sequoyah.
RACE 5 | $125,000 Diprose Miller Great Northern Steeplechase | Prestige Jumping Race | OPN STP | 6200m | 2.30pm
The major lead-up to the Great Northern Steeplechase is the Pakuranga Hunt Cup and I see no reason not to tip that race’s winner, Eion.
The Ken Duncan-trained Eion has won four from 10 over the bigger fences and, while he is equal top weight, he is tough and stays well.
The dangers include Te Kahu and Lacustre.
More good things to know:
First race at Te Aroha: 12.15pm
Last race: 5.31pm
Need some tips?
CEO Paul Wilcox rates:
Race 4 - Paul Bibby Memorial Great Northern Hurdle - 1.55pm - Dr Hank (#7)
Race 5 - Diprose Miller Great Northern Steeplechase - 2.30 - No Tip (#7)
Sponsorship Manager Bill Heap rates:
Race 4 - Paul Bibby Memorial Great Northern Hurdle - 1.55pm - The Cossack (#1)
Race 5 - Diprose Miller Great Northern Steeplechase - 2.30pm - No Tip (#7)
Race 7 - Apparelmaster Waikato OPN HCP 1400 - 3.40pm - Crafty Jess (#7) & Gospodin (#8) - Quinella
