Turf Talk:
- Kilmore is a unique track with a significant downhill run as they come around the home bend then an uphill straight. Plenty of horses don’t handle it, so ‘Kilmore form’ can be worth noting.
- It’s a momentum track. Those on speed generally have an edge, but provided jockeys get their horse rolling down the hill, they can make ground.
- First meeting here since November, so expect fresh ground.
- The 1200m start is the best on the track, with a good run down the back straight before they start turning.
- 1400m start is precarious, they start turning shortly after they jump, so position in running is crucial.
Race 1
This is for the highweight jockeys.
Been following (1) City Wok who has raced without much luck throughout his campaign. He comes out of a strong form race two back at Sandown and wasn’t disgraced in a better Maiden at Cranbourne last start. Step to 1600m is ideal and having Willie Gordon on board in these races is absolute gold. This isn’t a strong race.
The only danger I can see is (8) Biratu. He makes his debut for Tim Fitzsimmons coming off three jump-outs this time in. His piece of work at Echuca on January 6 was excellent, finishing fourth under light riding, then carrying on with his work past the post. Debuts in blinkers and gets straight to 1600m. Only concern is he does look like a horse that can get keen. Interesting call to kick off in a highweight.
Suggested bet: At $2.80 about City Wok and $8.50 about Biratu, I can back them both.
Race 3
The toppy, (1) High On The Hill has jumped-out nicely for this return to the races. He debuted in a handy 2yo race at Sandown back in May, getting home the second best last 400/200m splits of the meeting in running fourth. Liked his recent trials at Cranbourne; he seems to have come back in good order. Maps ideally from gate five. The horse to beat.
Give (11) Thundering Shadow a chance at odds. She had shown little at the jump-outs until the blinkers went on at Echuca most recently, when she went nicely on speed. Drawn out, but suspect she can push forward and make her own luck.
Suggested bet: Backing High On The Hill, smaller Thundering Shadow
Race 4
Good Maiden.
Have liked the jump-outs of (9) Love Me Tomorrow. She settled just behind the speed at Wodonga in her first hit-out before taking control late under light riding. She led them up most recently at Echuca, going on to run reasonable time for the morning under light riding. Alice Kennedy knows the filly having ridden her in lead-up work, so just hoping she can give her a good steer from a slightly tricky draw. Looks a talented filly.
Scared stiff of the Clint McDonald-trained (11) Prague Pride. McDonald debutantes seem not to lose at the moment! This filly has looked just fair in her work, but it’s typical of the stable not to show ‘too much’ in jump-outs. Debuts in blinkers and draws well.
Suggested bet: Backing Love Me Tomorrow.
