Turf Talk:
- Rail back to the true having been out 4m at the most recent meeting. Warm drying weather should see the track reasonably firm.
- There’s a lovely sprint chute that houses the 1000, 1100, 1200m races, giving competitors a nice straight run into the sweeping home bend.
- 1400m chute is down the bottom of the back straight and similarly generous.
- Rarely a disadvantage to be on speed at Echuca. With sunny weather and light winds that will only assist those on speed.
Race 2
Good maiden.
(3) Famous Rosy has prepped up very well for his debut. Ridden quietly at Ballarat in his first jump-out this campaign before rolling forward and posting good time under his own steam at Ararat most recently. Drawn to land on speed without doing any work. Hard to beat on debut.
(2) Boutin has shown good talent for astute trainer Cliff Brown. He, too, is drawn to land on speed without having to work too hard.
(7) Purgatorio let down nicely to win his most recent Cranbourne jump-out. Wasn’t the best to begin in his March 23 hit-out, so Jett Stanley will need to ensure he gets him out of the stalls well off gate one to avoid being buried away back in the field.
Suggested bet: Like the $6 available Famous Rosy, good bet on her. Something smaller Boutin at the $12.
Race 3
After the scratching of Soldier Boi, this looks (5) Silky Seth’s race. Has the tactical speed to overcome the wide barrier and no better jockey to have on board in this region than Harry Coffey. Was holding his ground to the line in a stronger maiden at Geelong last time (second horse who narrowly beat him goes around deep odds on tonight).
(7) The Mailer is building to a win. Has the blinkers on first time and if he can jump cleanly off the pole draw can use the gate to get right up on speed.
(9) Mukatila has had her chances in weaker maidens than this but is consistent and maps well.
Suggested bet: Even money about the right price for Silky Seth. 5,7 look the quinella horses.
Race 5
Liked how (6) Pharoah’s Glory has trialled up for this return. She’s a really consistent galloper who puts herself in the early firing line. Only missed a place once from nine goes, that was at the back end of last campaign at Caulfield Heath. Drawn out but has good gate speed to offset that alley. Keen she makes a winning return.
Imagine the ever-aggressive Craig Newitt will be positive on (4) Cash Converter from the wide draw. Beaten by a handy one who is airborne in Struggle Street at Bairnsdale last start – this is easier and he has been racing in 62’s, 64’s and Class 1’s since he broke his maiden.
(8) Shezamonkey gets into an easier race here. Continues to have her races spaced but is going well enough to figure in the finish of a race like this.
Suggested bet: Backing Pharoah’s Glory. Save Cash Converter.
Race 8
Liked the trials of (2) Toronado Boom leading into this first up run. Was good first up in a strong 62 at Seymour last campaign – a repeat of that would see him winning this. Got his share of weight – 62kg – but so does his main danger in (1) With Strength, who has an apprentice on board. Should camp just on the back of the speed and can get over the top of them late.
(1) With Strength is that danger. Sarah McDonough has ridden him in both trials this time in so will understand the horse. Jump and run type who will take catching.
Think one of the two win but I have Toronado Boom marked fave so have to back given he’s $5.
Suggested bet: Toronado Boom
