Werribee
Race 5 – Not Enough Effort
Jockey – Ben Allen
1116m – Barrier 3
Seven-year-old sprinter Not Enough Effort comes to Werribee today third-up and fitter for two runs back this preparation. The gelded son of Reward For Effort was good through the line in the 900-metre scamper at Mount Gambier first-up (form since franked), and didn’t get the breaks at a key stage when travelling strongly last time out. Today, jockey Ben Allen leaves from an ideal gate, looking to be positive on the gelding from the outset.
Demando has the inside draw and will kick-up in search of the lead first-up. Sabar will come across from out wide, while expect Angelic Rewards to punch through and be prominent from the middle of the line. Competitive race. Prancing Queen won first-up in fillies and mares company, railing through on heavy ground to score from the rear of the field at this trip. Runner-up Kaniva and third-placed Maliepo have both since won in this grade. She’ll be in the second half of the field and if runners can make ground today, will prove hard to hold out. Sabar has ability and with early luck could slot in behind the leading pair for run of the race. Comes back from 1400-metres but can’t be discounted as an each way hope. The form from First Mate’s last start placing is strong, but back to 1100-metres? No wins at this distance, may sneak a place.
Not Enough Effort was unlucky not to finish closer at Bendigo last start, just held up when others were making their runs. Allen can take luck out of the equation today from the front and be strong at both ends of the race. He’s been a while out of the winner’s stall this galloper, but both runs this time in suggest he’s ready breakthrough today. A winning hope.
Currently, Not Enough Effort is a $7.50 chance in the market.
Werribee
Race 6 – Riding High
Jockey – Beau Mertens
2720m – Barrier 7
Raise The Flag gelding Riding High is back on the flat today, returning to Werribee before heading to the paddock. Dwyer’s nine-year-old has a perfect record here, winning two from two and getting the opportunity to complete the hattrick this afternoon. Jockey Beau Mertens has drawn barrier seven and will roll forward early, looking to take up a position outside of just behind the speed.
Race favourite Made Of Gold looks the obvious leader here, drawing towards the inside and able to hold the rail early on. Tylden can be prominent from the middle, while Lady In The Sky can use the inside to hold a forward position in the run. Made Of Gold started odds-on in a Bendigo maiden last start and performed accordingly, brushing aside a moderate field to win by a big space. The British import had been racing well prior to that run and deserves to be at the top of the market again today. Not sure I’m diving into even money about him though. Mr Lincoln improved sharply when second-up at Geelong and will be fitter third-up today. Has a wide draw to contend with but must be considered an each way chance at a double-figured quote. Tylden was a good winner two starts back before running into a smart one last time out. She did well to hold onto third on that occasion and has each way claims again today.
Riding High comes here hard-fit at the end of his jumping campaign. He can bowl along at the front of proceedings and run the trip out strongly. What we know about this galloper is that he’ll give his usual honest effort, and on his best flat efforts he’s in this with an each way chance. Any track upgrades a plus.
Currently, Riding High is a $16 chance in the market.