Race 4 – 3:30PM Michaels of Donald Maiden Plate (1000 METRES)
Been waiting a long time for #10 SHE’S EXCESSIVE to make her debut and today’s the day. She has jumped-out brilliantly on several occasions across a couple of preparations. She has speed to burn and should lead this field on her ear. Linda Meech is the perfect rider for her and she’s had a couple of sits on the filly in jump-outs – so knows her well. The 1000m at Donald is an ideal kick off point. Tom Dabernig is good with his debutantes. There’s a lot to like.
Wouldn’t be totally shocked if #8 MARINER MISS ran a race here at a big price. She has trialled much better this time in and may be able to settle just off SHE’S EXCESSIVE and figure in the finish.
#7 LIGHT FILLED has trialled well for her return. #11 SMOKE FILLED will appreciate getting back to 1000m and imagine they give her a quieter ride after knocking up at Pakenham last start.
Suggested bet:
Backing #10 SHE’S EXCESSIVE – she’s more like a $1.60 pop and we are getting $2.15. Something tiny win, more the place #8 MARINER MISS
Race 5 – 4:00PM Donald Motor Lodge BM66 Handicap (1000 METRES)
Handy BM66.
#10 THINKING OF GERTY has jumped-out very well at Echuca for this return. She has won three from four first up, the only fresh defeat coming at Wangaratta last time out where she was beaten as a $2.15 favourite; very forgiving of that given she settled off pace on an on-speed day and she wore concussion plates (which comes off here). Wide draw but just the one bend to navigate our of the chute start and Harry Coffey should be able to land a handy spot behind #5 JUST BOLTS and #1 ORLABENT.
#1 ORLABENT’S best is good enough to be winning this. Concern is he has had one run in 15 months and he was beaten out of sight there. Would love to have seen a jump-out.
#13 LAMASSU has his first run for the Hayes boys and comes back a gelding. Was strong late in a recent Werribee jump-out. Bit of intent with blinkers on first time.
Suggested bet:
Like #10 THINKING OF GERTY – keen to bet.
