Turf Talk:
- Good 4, rail True, fine day, so every chance of an upgrade
- Always default to on-speed horses at Swan Hill when the track is on the firmer side.
- Lovely spacious track with a long straight. The 975m start comes off the bottom of the home bend.
Race 1
Not a strong maiden to kick off the day.
(13) Mukatila looks ideally suited to 1300m. She trialled nicely prior to her debut at Wangaratta where she was sent around a heavily backed $2.40 favourite where she was ‘fair’. She stayed at the 1170m at the same track last time out and was very once paced in a stronger maiden. Draws ideally to control the race. This is the weakest contest she’s been in.
Give (8) Ellie’s Song an each way hope. Did little in two runs last campaign for Luke Williams but has trialled up nicely for new trainer Jordy Coffey. Worked through the line well in her Echuca trial over 900m and think 1300m is an ideal kick off.
Jim Conlan has made the long trek from Mornington to Swan Hill with (4) Easy Red and his recent trial with the blinkers on at Balnarring was sound.
Doubt (1) Hard Lane will be as far back here as he was on debut. Hit the line well there at Wangaratta and 1300m with a better run on speed suit.
Suggested bet: Backing Mukatila/Ellie’s Song
Race 2
Jarrod Robinson has a good chance of winning this with (14) Two Stroke Baby and (15) Wombat.
Both horses have shown plenty of promise in trials and jump-outs but failed to deliver on raceday.
Wombat was excellent first up before pulling himself into the ground at Caulfield last time out. Has since trialled well. Up to the mile he can settle right on speed and give a sight at double figures.
Two Stroke Baby copped some interference first up at Kyneton (mind you, wasn’t going that well by the same token). Has twice been back to the jump-outs and gone nicely and the crossover nose band goes on here. Last chance saloon but at 20/1 is worth a throw at the stumps as jump-outs suggest she’s got talent.
(13) So Enchanting was good first up Iin a stronger maiden. She deserves to be right at the top of betting.
Suggested bet: Small plays Two Stroke Baby and Wombat at odds.
