Racing Tauranga's first meeting of their autumn carnival is seeing good quality fields entered for the traditional ‘St Paddys Day Race Meeting'.

It's a big four weeks for the club, as they have four meetings planned over that period, with Saturdays two feature races good open affairs.

The meeting kicks off with the Matamata Vets 3YO race and the first feature at 12.53pm on Saturday.

The Mills Reef Open Handicap over 1200 will take place at 2.40pm.

'Top weight Pop Star Princess will have a 3kg claim, as the 6YO Bay Mare looks for win number 8 form its 33 starts,” says Racing Tauranga sponsorship manager Andrew Love.

'The Stephen Ralph trained New York Jazz will be another favoured having notched up five wins from 33 starts.

'Romantic Lady is another strong favourite, as the Jamie Richards trained mare has never been out of the money from 14 starts, whilst notching up four wins.”

Last year's NZ Derby winner, Sherwood Forest, heads the field in the second feature the Pacific Stone Open Handicap over 1600.

The Tony Pike trained Bay Gelding has amassed just on $750,000 from 15 starts, which has included five wins, and finished fifth when resuming at Hawke's Bay two weeks back.

'Acutus should also be watched, having drawn the inside and jockey Darrin Danis will claim 2kg,” says Andrew.

'Acutus won here at this meeting a year ago, whilst top weight Sherwood Forest and the southern visitor, Rays in Command should also be in the mix.”

Race 7, The Tall Poppy 1400, will see three local trainers go head to head, in the 10 horse field.

Come Back Tiger, Peter Huxtable; I'm Capable, Jim Pender and Speechmaker, Anthony Fuller have all shown good recent form. Fuller also has Happy Ego, racing in race two.

The race day will have a strong Irish flavour with live music from the Wild Clovers.

This weekend's meeting is a prelude to the following Saturday's Bayleys International Race Day, which will see the 50th running of the Ultimate Mazda Japan NZ Trophy Race.

Details:

Gates Open: 11AM
First Race: 12.53PM
Last Race: 5.15PM

Free Entry. Live Irish Music. Guinness Bar on the Public Lawn.