Turf Talk:
- Kerang has a short home straight.
- They only race here twice a year, the other meeting being at Easter time.
- Track raced evenly last year, with horses able to make ground.
Race 2
Liked the way Sumo Sandy quickened up in his two jump-outs this campaign, winning both with authority. Great booking of Linda Meech here fresh, hopefully an attempt to have him more forward in the run. His fresh run at 1400m last campaign was very good, a performance that would easily win this. Drawn ideally, he should get a soft run near the speed. Horse to beat.
Interesting runner is Ashen Knight on debut. A son of Highland Reel, he has been given just one soft jump-out leading into this where he moved very well. He finished third there, but was under restraint up the home lane. Not sure that’s the right profile for 1400m on debut, but do think he has ability.
Grand Millesime is in the mix, but reckon she’d struggle to fight her way out of a paper bag. Happy to work around her at the very short quote of $1.45, but will be in the finish.
Suggested bet: Backing Sumo Sandy at the $3 available, small something Ashen Knight at $11.
Race 5
Sternin has always shown good talent and this looks her Maiden to break through. She comes through a good first-up run at Werribee on Cup Day in a race that has already produced an impressive subsequent winner. Drawn for a gun run. She should be winning.
If there’s a danger, it might be Vinnie’s Turn. He was poor in one run last campaign but has been given a short spell and most recent jump-out was impressive.
Suggested bet: Update at 9.45am: Sternin has drifted to $1.90 which is a price I am happy to take. Taking one out in a quaddie and playing the quinella with Vinnie’s Turn.
Race 6
They took the blinkers off Frederick last time out and he seemed not to try late. He was going well leading into that and the shades are back on here. This is a very weak race, he gets a good hoop up and he maps for a nice run just in behind the speed. Last-chance saloon, but simply think he’s going better than his rivals here.
Suggested bet: Backing Frederick at the ~$4 available this AM.
