Ballarat (poly)
Race 4 – Kowloon Kurious
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2100m – Barrier 3
Three-year-old gelding Kowloon Kurious makes his maiden raceday appearance today when he steps out over 2100-metres on his home synthetic track. The half brother to Group-1 winner Smokin’ Romans has had plenty of jumpouts in preparation for his debut, the latest a second-placed effort in heavy going at Ararat over 1300-metres. Jockey Mitch Aitken has drawn well in barrier three and will look to settle midfield with cover, staying in touch with the leading group. Speed is drawn outside with Backlit Beauty and One Last Kiss to cross from wide gates, while Pharoah’s Joy could boot up from gate two. One Last Kiss gets the blinkers back on today and will start a short-priced favourite. She ran in Listed grade three starts back and has been solid at two runs since, both in better company than she faces today. Clearly the one to beat, despite the wide draw. Del Campo has been sound in two runs this preparation and looks ready to step up to this distance range. It can slot in behind the speed and get a nice run in transit. Race drops away from there with little exposed form to get excited about. Kowloon Kurious won’t have the speed to keep up with the leaders in the early parts but should be able to find a comfortable position in running. He will likely improve over more ground and will be better for the raceday experience today.
Currently, Kowloon Kurious is a $23 chance in the market.