Rapper rated a $26 outsider but she’s expected to run better than that over extra distance

Platinum Rapper’s form might not look up to much but she’s going better than the TAB bookies’ $26 and $7.25 quote.

And while the odds setters might have her an equal rank outsider for the last race at New Plymouth on Saturday, trainer Lisa Latta believes she’ll finish a lot closer to first than last.

And that’s because for the first time this preparation, the mare will step up in distance to 1800 metres.

“She’s been looking to get up over ground and, while she could be looking for even further, it’s a good stepping stone for her.”

Latta says Platinum Rapper’s last start sixth over 1600 metres at Hawera was better than it looked. While the mare raced a handy fourth, rider Leah Hemi had to use up plenty of petrol to get there after being slow away.

Platinum Rapper kept whacking away in the straight, finishing five lengths from impressive winner William Wallace, a rival again this week.

Latta is hoping new rider Darryl Bradley will get Platinum Rapper away faster on Saturday from another good gate of two.

But she says Platinum Rapper is at an awkward mark in the handicaps, a rating 79 horse forced to take on open class horses up to rating 92.

“These are good fields she’s having to race against but she gets some weight relief, with only 54kg, so that should help her.

“I’m really happy with her and she won’t mind all the rain we’re getting. But New Plymouth is a funny course. We’ll have to see how the first few races pan out and what the pattern of racing will be.”