Ballarat (poly)
Race 4 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – Will Price
1500m – Barrier 11
Ex-Japanese galloper Nishino Crescent makes his Australian debut for the Henry Dwyer stable on the poly track at Ballarat today. The four-year-old gelding was five-times placed in Japan from nine starts, where all starts were at 2000-metres or further. Jockey Will Price will be forced back from a wide gate here and look to run on late out in the middle of the track.
There’s good early speed in this with Magic Flyer and Mr Fulltime to punch forward from good draws, while Boominartie can use the inside alley to kick-up and make that pair work. Magic Flyer gets blinkers for the first time and looks close to a win. He’s placed both runs back from a spell and up in trip will suit, shapes as hardest to beat. Boominartie is another who has been running placings without winning but gets his chance to breakthrough in this. Must be considered a winning hope. Concede an each way chance to Assignment who is first-up and may be better suited over more ground.
Nishino Crescent jumped out well at this track last week in preparation for today’s race. He was strong to the line on that occasion and will be winding up late in today’s contest. He’ll likely find this short of his best trip but on talent alone he can run into the top four this afternoon. Worth an each way ticket.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $10 chance in the market.
Race 5 – Mortar
Jockey – Jack Hill
2100m – Barrier 9
Improving gelding Mortar is third-up and fitter when he steps out to 2100-metres at Ballarat today. Dwyer’s four-year-old looked unlucky not to win first-up at Warracknabeal before sticking on gamely in trying conditions at Seymour last time out. Jockey Jack Hill will be positive from a wide draw and look for a position outside or just behind the speed in the early parts.
Savoie and Figo The Great will press forward in search of the lead while James The Great won’t be far away when runners find their positions. Open race. Sacred Kenshi comes through the same Seymour event as Mortar, just missing with a big weight on heavy ground. The winner there has subsequently won in this grade and he gets some weight relief here. He’ll settle back but will be strong to the line late. Expect Davelliom to bounce back following a plain run last start. Form prior is good and is rock-hard fit. Concede chances to synthetic specialist Mevius and James The Great who drops in grade.
Mortar has the ability to win a race like this and progress throughout his preparation. He’ll need a touch of early luck to find his position but is nearing peak fitness now and will appreciate getting back on top of the ground. He should be considered one of the main chances in a very competitive race.
Currently, Mortar is a $7.50 chance in the market.