Ballarat
Race 3 – Savvy Bee
Jockey – Jye McNeil
1400m – Barrier 4
Promising filly Savvy Bee has a golden chance to break her maiden status on her home track this afternoon. The daughter of Savabeel has been good in three runs this preparation, where she’s finished top four all starts without having much luck in running. Today the three-year-old has drawn perfectly in gate four and has the services of Group-One jockey Jye McNeil to guide her around. McNeil can settle behind likely leader Hussy Pie and enjoy an economical run just off the speed. Blinkers have been applied here for the first time which should switch her on and help get the job done today. Le Ferrari has been installed favourite in the race but it’s drawn wide and may drift back in its first-up run. Savvy Bee is a clear second elect and with even luck can progress from maiden grade in this event.
Currently, Savvy Bee is a $3 chance in the market.
Race 4 – War Service
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1200m – Barrier 12
Three-year-old gelding War Service is first-up at 1200-metres today in a suitable starting point for his second preparation. The son of Merchant Navy had just one start in his first campaign, well beaten in heavy going at Bendigo in July. Today’s race will prove too short for the Dwyer runner but it is a good opportunity to gain raceday experience and build fitness for future runs this preparation. Jockey Mitch Aitken will drift back from a wide gate and look to build revs in the home straight and run through the line strongly. This is an extremely open event with no two runners coming through the same race into this. Mister Jonno has been jumping out soundly while Jackrabbit Jimmy ran well in a good race at Warrnambool on debut. The stable are keen to see War Service relax in the run today and pick a few off in the run home.
Currently, War Service is a $91 chance in the market.
Race 5 – Prairie Flower
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1200m – Barrier 1
Talented filly Prairie Flower looks ready to win as she steps out in a competitive benchmark-64 race on her home deck this afternoon. The daughter of Star Turn has been excellent at both 1200-metre runs this prep and will prove very hard to beat if she steps cleanly here. Jockey Mitch Aitken will navigate from gate one and look to find the back of leaders and not get trapped three pairs back the fence. Race favourite Elite Icon will want to cross and lead while Brazen Brando should also go forward. Those runners look hardest to beat but if Prairie Flower can find clear air when she needs it, she’ll be mighty hard to hold out.
Currently, Prairie Flower is a $3.60 chance in the market.