Kyneton
Race 1 – Lily Luella
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1850m – Barrier 5
Three-year-old galloper Lily Luella comes back in trip today, looking to break her maiden in the opener at Kyneton. The Henry Dwyer filly has been improving with every run in her debut preparation, her last run much better than what is printed on the results sheet. The daughter of Siyouni endured a torrid run at Wodonga, three-wide facing the breeze for much of the 2050-metre trip, only overhauled in the final furlong where she quite rightly felt the pinch. Jockey Mitch Aitken will give her a kinder journey today, able to slot in with cover in the first half of the field from a good draw. This is an open event where any number of chances could find their breakthrough win. Fellow Ballarat visitor Gotta Have Fun was very good first-up at a mile, unlucky not to have finished closer or even won at Colac. With even luck here she looks a major player for Andrew Noblet. Steak Knives and Jackand have put some nice runs together but will need luck from their respective draws. Frostymcfrostfrost improved sharply at his second start and looks suited getting out in trip here, though he also needs to overcome a wide barrier. Laurion is on the quick back-up but is having his first go past a mile here. Lily Luella is hard fit and will appreciate dropping back a furlong from her last start. She is the forgotten runner in the market and a top-three finish wouldn’t surprise this afternoon.
Currently, Lily Luella is a $35 chance in the market.