| What | Hastings Races |
| Where | Hastings Racecourse – 200 Prospect Rd, Hastings, New Zealand |
| When | Saturday, April 15, 2023 |
| First Race | 12:17pm NZST |
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Visit Ladbrokes |
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Saturday racing in the Central Districts of New Zealand is being held at Hastings with the time-honoured Hawkes Bay Cup headlining a strong eight-race card. The track is currently Good, and with only some showers forecast for Friday it is likely to be a surface that suits all runners. The first race kicks off at 12:17pm (NZST).
Best Bet at Hastings – Fierce Flight
Fierce Flight was a game runner-up at Trentham in the NZ St Leger over 2600m last time out. He made his run before the bend on that occasion and after hitting the front inside the distance was only bloused late. That effort followed a similar run at Te Rapa over this distance. Leading hoop Michael McNab will be doing it tough to get down to 53kg, and that in itself is a strong lead as to how this horse is going right now. The Mark Walker stable is winning everything at the moment and this fellow won’t let the team down in the feature.
Best Bet
Race 7 – 
#6 Fierce Flight (5)
4yo Gelding | T: Mark Walker | J: Michael McNab (53kg)
$4 with Bet365
Next Best at Hastings – Not Guilty
The other feature of the day is the Open sprint over 1200m, where we find another Michael McNab-ridden runner in Not Guilty as the one to beat. She could not have been more brave when leading up last start at Trentham and then only succumbing late to a couple of late finishers who had much softer runs in transit. This field looks a touch easier and a return to a Good track should also be in her favour. She looks to be the likely leader again and around a bend today she could be very hard to peg back.
Next Best
Race 6 – 
#6 Not Guilty (5)
5yo Mare | T: Tony Pike | J: Michael McNab (53kg)
$4 with Ladbrokes
Best Value at Hastings – Mia Sorella
Quick Preview has needed both his runs back this time in and was never a hope on an unsuitable Heavy track at Tauranga last time out. He will be peaking third-up and will appreciate getting back on top of the ground. Hamish McNeill probably won’t be able to claim his full 4kg but should still take some weight off his back. He has a handy draw and is dropping back to his rightful grade, which should allow him to show some worthwhile form. He is set to put his hoof in the till at nice each-way value with online bookmakers.
Best Value
Race 5 – 
#7 Quick Preview (6)
7yo Gelding | T: Kylie Grass | J: Hamish McNeill (a4) (56.5kg)
$26 with Palmerbet
Saturday quaddie picks for Hastings
Hastings quadrella selections
Saturday, April 15, 2023
- 4-5-7-9-10
- 6
- 3-6-7
- 3-5-8-11
Investment: $60 for 100%
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