Turf Talk:
- Well known that Yarra Valley is a tight-turning track.
- Hot day, drying deck, unless it’s significantly over-watered expect up on speed, nearer the rail to be an advantage.
- Track has played relatively well this season.
Race 2
Keen on Superliv here. Think she can find the rail and the lead with Carleen Hefel up from a low draw. She has trialled like an absolute rocket for this return to the races. Her first-up run at Wangaratta last campaign was good enough to be winning this – she finished third there with 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th all winning at subsequent starts. She had vet issues at her only other run last campaign. Think she finds a very winnable race here fresh and the Yarra Valley circuit should suit.
Truly Icconic could improve at odds. He did plenty wrong on debut at Moe but had trialled well prior. Happy to have him on side at a big price.
Suggested bet: Backing Superliv, having something tiny on Truly Icconic at big odds, as well.
Race 3
Good race, this.
Happy to have something on Celestial Zara on debut. John McArdle is good at getting his horses to go early and this filly looks no exception. She has been sharp in both jump-out wins this time in and from a soft draw should be right there on speed without doing too much work (may end up letting a horse like My Cherie Amor take the lead and get a trail just off her). She can run a big race on debut.
Kiwi Harmony has trialled well enough, but has had just the one jump-out, so may well need the run fresh. That said, she could still be good enough to win.
Suggested bet: Think the ~$6 available about Celestial Zara is a good price – happy to play.
