Race 7 No.3 Astari ($7 @ TAB)
This gelding trialled just ‘OK’ leading into the campaign before missing the kick first up over 1000m. His race was all over before the home bend but he ratteled home the best last 400/200m splits of the meeting. Ideally suited up to 1200m and provided he jumps cleanly I’d expect him to settle more forward in the run. Has a 4kg claimer on, which is a risk, but provided he jumps OK he maps for a really soft run and it gets him well away from his maiden danger in (1) Godtfred Kirk at the weights. Think he’s a good bet at $7 and can see him starting shorter.
Race 9 No.6 Mr Crafty ($15 @ TAB), smaller on No.5 Express Guard ($11 TAB)
Wide open race to finish. Have always had some time for (6) Mr Crafty. He trialled up well leading into the campaign and just got too far out of his ground first up this track over 1200m. He was strong to, and through, the line, and the step to 1400m here is ideal. Like a senior rider taking over as he can get quite keen. Think he’s a big price at $14.
(5) Express Guard had no luck this track and trip last start. This is his first campaign for Brad Cunningham who trains locally here at Pakenham and he clearly enjoyed the surface. Drawn out, but he’s a horse that will get back anyway, so not worried about that. Think he will be strong late.
