Platinum Rapper worth a spin at $12 after ‘fantastic’ track gallop at Awapuni

Platinum Rapper is going much better than her form would suggest and a strong gallop this week points to her being a likely upsetter at Awapuni on Saturday.

There are several good reasons why punters should overlook Platinum Rapper’s 06039 form line in the fourth race where the mare has opened at a $12 quote.

The prime pointer came at Awapuni on Thursday when the mare took time honours in a gallop with stablemate Akela Belle.

On a heavy No.1 grass the pair reeled off 1000 metres in 1:03.5, closing from the 600 in 37.3.

Trainer Lisa Latta described the work as fantastic and is looking forward to getting the mare up to 2100 metres on Saturday.

The last time Platinum Rapper tackled 2000 metres was in August last year at Riccarton when she won on heavy 10 ground.

But Latta is pleased that the rain has finally dissipated, replaced by strong drying winds today that she figures could see today’s slow 8 run a least at a slow 7 come Saturday afternoon.

“She’ll go better if it dries out a bit more.”

In her 24 starts Platinum Rapper has raced only once over 1800 metres and twice over 2000 metres.

“She wasn’t quite strong enough for a longer trip before but I think she is now.”

Platinum Rapper looked on the verge of winning form two runs back at Otaki when third but lost all chance last time when very slow out of the gates for apprentice Sam O’Malley.

The mare was wearing blinkers for the first time that day which could have contributed to the costly error.

“I don’t think they did anything for her so I’ve gone back to a shadow roll on Saturday,” says Latta who has engaged Leah Hemi this time.

Up in grade to an open event, Platinum Rapper will also enjoy substantial weight relief, the 58kg and 59kg she has had to carry in her last two races down to just 55.5kg on Saturday.

Father Lenihan … rise in company but big drop in weight. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Big weight relief

The improving track condition is likely to see Father Lenihan take his place in the fifth race.

Father Lenihan shed his form slump last Saturday when, under 60kg, he dead-heated for fourth in a blanket finish behind the impressive winner Heirloom, who carried just 51.5kg under Temyia Taiaroa.

Latta is snapping up Taiaroa to ride Father Lenihan on Saturday so his carded 54kg will be reduced to just 51kg.

That should mitigate somewhat the rise in class Father Lenihan faces when he meets the better performed Deerfield, Beefeater and Weaponry.

“He’s generally needed a strong rider because he’s so laid back but John (Street) is keen to try him with a light weight.

“The horse was very good last time - and we did nothing different.”

Two scratchings have allowed Lincoln Dreamer back into the field for the sixth race but he is justifiably at outside odds.

Latta actually trialled the horse at Foxton on Tuesday, not expecting to get a start on Saturday, but says he has come through it really well.

“It’s been that long in between runs (eliminated repeatedly, he last raced on October 15) that I thought he needed to go round.

“With the track back into the slow range I’ll be happy to line him up but he is at the stage where he needs to front up.”