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.
More news in Gallops
Attack working ‘phenomenal’ but history paints outside gate in Telegraph a killer
Will the Otaki track dry enough before Sunday for exciting sprinter Platinum Attack?
Mereana’s game plan for Platinum Tyche works a treat - but stipes sour the moment
Weather gods will decide Platinum Attack’s fate in the Stewards but it’s looking brighter
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Trentham
Race 2: Platinum Tyche
1.05pm
“This is a big drop-back in class for her as her last two races have been very strong rating 75s. The track at Otaki was particularly wet and she just didn’t handle it. She has come through that run in fantastic order and is very bright and well. She shouldn’t be too far off the leaders from the good draw and I expect her to bounce back to form providing we get a decent track.”
Race 8: Platinum Attack
4.43pm
“He drew the outside barrier in this race last year and has been dealt the same card again. He couldn’t be looking any better though and his work has been phenomenal. He is right where he needs to be to win a race like this. We are going to need some luck from the draw but Craig Grylls knows him well now and I thought that he is certainly one of the better horses in the race. If he gets clear air at the right time then he will finish with a big run.”