| What | Matamata Races |
| Where | Matamata Racecourse – State Highway 27, Matamata, NZ |
| When | Saturday, February 25, 2023 |
| First Race | 11:28am NZDT |
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Visit Ladbrokes |
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The Matamata Racing Club host a nine-race programme on Saturday at Matamata. The feature races on the card are the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (race 7), the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (race 4) and the Listed Kamai Stakes (race 9). The track is expected to be a Soft 6 with some rain forecast on the day, with the meeting commencing at 12:28pm NZDT.
Matamata Breeders’ Stakes Top Tip – Zourion
Zourion was sent out as the hot favourite on debut on the back of a trial win over 1100m and after making an awkward beginning took over the lead with 900m to run, then after getting headed at the 300m mark found her second-wind and fought back strongly to win well. This filly was purchased for $475,000 at last year’s Karaka Sales and is related to two winners including Pearl Of Alsace who has won all four of her race starts. With her debut winning jockey Warren Kennedy currently suspended Opie Bosson jumps into the saddle. Bosson rode her in track-work on Tuesday and reported that he was impressed with the feel that she gave him. She rises in class for this race but with home track advantage she should give a good account of herself and go close to making it two-from-two. She is currently the second favourite at around $3.20 with online bookmakers.
Matamata Breeders’ Stakes
Race 7 – 
#6 Zourion (7)
2yo Filly | T: Mark Walker | J: Opie Bosson (56.5kg)
$3.20 with Bet365
Matamata Slipper Top Tip – Tokyo Tycoon
Tokyo Tycoon was an impressive winner last start in the Karaka Million 2YO to remain undefeated in his three starts. He had to start from a wide draw last start and was checked in the early running which resulted in him losing ground before being restrained to the rear of the field but stormed home late to win going away. He has drawn the widest for today’s race but with only six runners lining up that shouldn’t prove to be any obstacle. We don’t like selecting hot favourites but it’s hard to see him beaten on past performances .
Matamata Slipper
Race 4 – 
#1 Tokyo Tycoon (6)
2yo Gelding | T: Mark Walker | J: Craig Zackey (57kg)
$1.80 with Palmerbet
Best Bet at Matamata – Saint Alice
Saint Alice bolted in to win her last start which followed an unlucky run for eighth at this track when denied racing room over the final stages of the race. She held on to win a recent trial by a head with the second placed runner Polygon having won her last start which were Group 2 and 3 events. Her trainers Dawn and Peter Williams have her fighting fit and the extra 400m in distance today should suit her well. At around odds of $12 she represents great value.
Best Bet
Race 8 – 
#11 Saint Alice (16)
5yo Mare | T: Peter & Dawn Williams | J: Craig Zackey (53kg)
$12 with Ladbrokes
Saturday quaddie picks for Matamata
Matamata quadrella selections
Saturday, February 25, 2023
- 1-4-9
- 1-6
- 4-8
- 1-3-4
Investment: $36 for 100%
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