A total of 16 heats were conducted at Cranbourne on Monday, with key observations on track patterns and a number of runners catching the eye ahead of their racetrack returns.
New Zealand’s unbeaten juvenile Return To Conquer had his first public appearance in Australia. The Group 1 Sistema winner wasn’t asked to do much but found the line stylishly under Blake Shinn to finish third. The Mark Walker-trained colt looks right on track for the upcoming 3YO features.
The Horses To Follow:
| Heat | Horse | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Fortune Link | First-up for campaign. Strong third, looks in good order. |
| 8 | Comradeship | Quickened smartly late. Maiden win looks near. |
| 10 | Wrenlee | Travelled sweetly, strong late burst to beat Espana. |
Track Overview:
- 800m heats were run on the northern grass, where it proved advantageous to be out wide. Horses on the inside who performed well deserve extra merit.
- 1000m and longer heats were conducted on the main grass, which played evenly throughout.
- Average 800m heat time: 48.55 secs
- Average 1000m heat time: 60.21 secs
Heat 7 – Fortune Link (3rd)
Target – One more jump-out then a 1200m Maiden
Three-year-old gelding eligible for maiden grade. Fortune Link wasn’t knocked around in running third in reasonable time. This was his first jump-out of the campaign, and he looks to have come back in good order.
Heat 8 – Comradeship (1st)
Target – ~1100m Maiden
Son of Ocean Park that has trialled well across two campaigns. Comradeship was in the better ground, but the way he quickened the last furlong was impressive. He has gears and might get over ground in time.
Heat 10 – Wrenlee (1st)
Target – Short-course Maiden
Had good jump-outs back on June 30 when in traffic. Wrenlee travelled sweetly and let down strongly here, beating a smart one in Espana who also went well.
