Platinum Rapper in cruise control in slow 7 ground at Otaki. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.
Give Platinum Rapper a slow beat and she can mesmerise the audience
By Barry Lichter • 3 April 2019
Trainer Lisa Latta is hoping predicted black clouds arrive in Christchurch to help Platinum Rapper secure some black type at Riccarton on Saturday.
The smart filly leaves Palmerston North tonight for Andrew Carston’s Riccarton stables and will arrive to a dead 5 track, which Latta doesn’t want to improve before Saturday’s $50,000 NZB Airfreight Stakes.
Platinum Rapper meets some talented three-year-olds in the 1600 metre stakes race for fillies but Latta believes she can be a factor on rain-affected footing.
“She’s obviously better when there’s a bit of rain about and there is some in the forecast for Friday morning.’’
The Makfi filly found the dead 4 conditions a little firm last time at Wairarapa but still ran a bottler for an unlucky fifth, just two lengths from winner Awesome Al.
Top jockey Chris Johnson was stalking the leaders on Platinum Rapper turning for home and, just when it looked like the filly could force her way out, she ran in sharply. By the time Johnson straightened her, Pep Torque was alongside and she was blocked again.
Platinum Rapper was never in the clear afterwards and finished hard on the leaders’ heels.
On Saturday Latta is hoping to see a repeat of the finishing burst Platinum Rapper unleashed two weeks earlier when, fresh-up at Otaki, she revelled in slow 7 conditions.
“Back against her own age and sex I think she will be very competitive.
“She galloped this morning and worked very nicely.’’
Platinum Rapper should get every chance with Johnson aboard again from four at the barrier, while several of her main dangers are out wide.
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Otaki
Race 3: Platinum Tyche
1:19pm
“I couldn’t be happier with her work and she has certainly improved from her first-up run when she did not have all favours. I don’t think it’s the strongest of fields and the forecast is looking good so I think she will get her chance to bounce back to winning form. Bruno Queiroz rides from gate four.”
Race 5: Platinum Attack
2:29pm
“He drew badly in 19 but they will start only 14 so he will come in to 13 or 14. The positive is there is good speed in the race with Shoes, Party Rocking and Idyllic who all go forward. I couldn’t be happier with him - his final work on Wednesday morning on the course proper was as strong as ever. He still has his summer coat and is looking fantastic. It’s a similar field to the one he beat last start at Trentham and Bruno Queiroz just needs to find some luck in the running.”