Racing: Strongfield for Pearl race

Coulee is among a host of chances in the New Zealand Bloodstock Pearl Series race at Wingatui...
Coulee is among a host of chances in the New Zealand Bloodstock Pearl Series race at Wingatui today. Photo by Matt Smith.
The New Zealand Bloodstock Pearl Series races are once again proving their worth - this time at Wingatui today.

Up to 13 fillies or mares will be chasing the fat end of the $12,000 stake over 1400m with a six strong representation from Wingatui.

Two of those runners are from Brian and Shane Anderton's stable, with Jake Lowry picking up the ride on progressive filly Coulee.

Lowry, whose 3kg claim brings down Coulee's carried weight to 54.5kg, has plenty of respect for his rivals in a strong field.

''It's a really nice field with some really nice horses but she's up with them,'' Lowry said.

''The draw is a bit of a concern, but we'll look to go forward and see where she ends up.''

Coulee should start from the outside barrier and Lowry will not hurry her out from the machine.

''She doesn't have to lead _ as long as she's settled and happy, she's pretty good. I've got a bit of confidence in her.''

Today's race is also Coulee's first look at more than 1200m, although the way she hit the line for second at Ascot Park on March 28 should dispel any concerns over the extra ground.

''She's looked like she will cop it _ she ran on well last start. There are no worries with the distance.''

Coulee is one of several solid chances for Lowry, who has notched up 14 wins this season at a tidy strike rate of one winner every 8.57 starts.

Tedesco is due to clear maidens, and will find few better chances than the 2200m maiden today.

''He's been knocking on the door for a while,'' Lowry said.

''There's not too much form _ probably the horse to beat is Zimmer, but he's right in this race.''

The son of Gallant Guru was heavily backed to win on a rain affected track at Ascot Park last month, but Lowry said a firmer track today should help.

''It probably wasn't really his forte, that track _ a bit of hardening in the ground is probably going to suit him.''

The 17 year old is quite partial to the hopes of debutante Heed The Flag in a 3yr old 1200m maiden, based on her jumpouts form, where she has been a winner.

''Going forward, she's only going to improve off the run, but I'm quietly confident with her,'' he said.

''She's a nice wee filly. She's only got 52.5kg on her back, so that'll only help her.''

Lowry's other ride for his employers, grandfather Brian and uncle Shane, is the ever consistent News Flash, who Lowry rates as better than the sixth place he produced at Riverton on Saturday.

''He went better than what it looked on the film,'' he said.

''The wet track probably wasn't ideal. I reckon he can win it, to be honest. Probably the horses to beat are Mels Evie and The Gallant Girl, but he's probably one to beat as well.''

Lowry's one ride outside his employers is on the Brett Inglis trained Additup in the rating 75 2200m.

''He always goes a pretty nice race,'' Lowry said.

''Puddle Alley is the one to beat but hopefully we'll be able to get a nice run in behind them. There's no reason why he can't win it.''

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