Turf Talk:
- Will be dealing with a Good 4 up to a Good 3. Warm day and light winds. That will only assist runners on speed.
- Always think it’s an advantage to be in the first 30% of the field at Echuca, but track has raced very well of late.
- Decent 350m home straight tends to give horses their chance. 1400m start is very good down the bottom of the back straight. The sprint chute provides a nice start for the 1200m races.
Key stats:
- Nick Ryan has a terrific record when he brings horses to Echuca, going at 25% from a decent sample size.
- John Allen rides Echuca well striking at 21.6% across his career.
Race 1
Nick Ryan targeted this day last year winning three races and he has a strong hand again, kicking off with (2) Baganov. This son of Russian Revolution has had several jump-outs, always showing ability. He won his last Flemington hit-out in slick time. Drawn ideally to settle right on speed, which should give him every hope. If he runs up to his jump-outs, he’s the horse to beat.
(4) Dark Galaxy looks the best roughie in the race. Can excuse last campaign when only struck wet tracks. Jump-outs this time in have been vastly improved, draws gate one which he can use to get right on speed and tongue tie going on suggests they are on top of an issue.
1200m will suit (7) Interrogate on debut but think on his jump-out she will want even further in time. Has to be respected from the Freedman yard but think he’s too short at $3.70.
Suggested bet: Keen Baganov and betting up as such. Something small on Dark Galaxy at 20/1 as well.
Race 3
Speed is down in gates one and two through (6) Crazy Town and (7) Hollerasaurous – both on debut.
This is a great race for (11) Regal Gent to break his maiden. His trials suggest he has come back in excellent order and form through his first campaign is strong enough to see him winning a Maiden like this. Can settle just in behind the speed fresh at 1400m and with even luck in running is the horse to beat.
Quite liked Hollerasaurous’ jump-outs and the fact he can settle right on speed will ensure he gets every chance on debut.
(4) Backflip had no hope given his run in transit at Terang last start but hit the line strongly. Probably coming off a career peak and will charge at them late.
Suggested bet: Like Regal Gent.
Race 5
Stack of speed here. (2) Divazou, (12) Snappy Pierro likely to fight for the lead, but (3) Ioane, (9) Altruist and (13) Highland George (with Meech on) won’t be far away.
Race should set up nicely for (6) Fire Tribe. Concede he doesn’t win often, but that’s due to racing pattern, and with the right setup here he gets a chance to break through. Was five weeks between runs when strong to the line in a superior race at Ballarat last time out, like him better off 14 days here. Form since joining the Hope team has been very consistent.
(12) Snappy Pierro will roll forward and make her own luck up on speed but the end of 1400m, especially with plenty of pressure up front, is always a query.
Suggested bet: Backing Fire Tribe.
