Race 1 – 1:36PM David Kane 3YO Maiden Plate (1208 METRES)
Soft 5 with a few showers moving through Kyneton.
#7 JOHN IN ENGLISH has gone around mammoth odds in both starts but jump-outs this time in suggest he could run a race at odds. Cruised to the line under a big hold to run second in his first jump-out this campaign – time was just fair but he moved well. He was placed under a touch more pressure in his most recent hitout on the course proper, but again worked to the line strongly. Koby Jennings has ridden in each piece of work so knows him well. Drawn nicely. Race seriously weakened after scratchings.
#12 CHLOE FIRST has been slow to begin in both starts this campaign so will appreciate getting Linda Meech on board, who is very good at getting horses out of the barriers.
Suggested bet:
Something small #7 JOHN IN ENGLISH. $7 plus in this field worth a bet.
Race 2 – 2:11PM John Forrest Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate (1108 METRES)
#13 WANTED ENUFF has trialled up nicely for Taige Weir. A daughter of Rich Enuff who has had three jump-outs this campaign, so should be fit for her debut. Won a jump-out under light riding at Camperdown back on February 19 and was then given a soft time of it at Ballarat on March 12. Willie Gordon has been on board in each hit-out so he’s perfectly equipped to get the job done here. Draws well. Hard to beat.
#2 FINCHAVEN got back on debut at Seymour but hit the line well in a better Maiden than this. Has had a long spell but three jump-outs have been solid. Will be right on speed from gate one.
#12 PARIS COLLECTION didn’t have a lot of luck on debut at Kilmore and she has jumped-out nicely between runs. Can use gate two to settle near the speed.
#5 SHARE THE RIDE has done little in her career to date but there was a glimmer in a recent jump-out where she went nicely vs Wrote To Arataki. Blinkers on her could spark some improvement.
Suggested bet: Backing #13 WANTED ENUFF. Think she starts favourite. ~$4 good value.
Race 3 – 2:46PM Denise Halliday Maiden Plate (1461 METRES)
#3 STYLISH PRINCE has had three jump-outs to prime him for the 1461m first-up and he has gone well in each. The first two were soft pieces of work, the latest a more searching hit out in a relatively slick heat. Draws ideally to either lead and control the race or sit just off the speed if a couple want to go mad. Already has the best form in the race, jump-outs are a positive indicator, and Will Gordon is as good a rider as any at the meeting. Ticks a lot of boxes.
Always had some opinion of #8 PACKERS JOURNEY. Hit the line strongly last start. Onto her home track here.
Suggested bet:
Backing #3 STYLISH PRINCE – deserves to be favourite.
Race 6 – 4:31PM bet365 Same Race Multi BM56 Handicap (1108 METRES)
#5 THE BANTAM has trialled up nicely for his return. Had three jump-outs total, winning the last two, showing a strong turn of foot when asked to quicken. He was arguably unlucky not to win first up in a BM70 at Sandown last campaign before going off the boil a touch. Best runs have generally been fresh. Tongue tie on suggests they may be on top of a little issue. Just needs even luck off gate one.
#3 ANTISOCIAL didn’t have much luck at Corowa last time out and was good in a stronger race at Wangaratta prior. Step in trip suits and any further rain only enhances her chances.
Suggested bet:
Backing #5 THE BANTAM. Quinella 3,5. The $5+ on offer for The Bantam looks great value.
