Swan Hill
Race 2 – Almonti
Jockey – Declan Bates
1600m – Barrier 4
Four-year-old galloper Almonti presents second-up and fitter at Swan Hill this afternoon. The gelded son of Dundeel steps out to a mile for the first time, following an encouraging first-up effort over 1350-metres at Donald three weeks ago, where he finished third on heavy ground. He was slowly away there and settled at the tail, the steadier tempo today should be more suitable for this galloper. Jockey Declan Bates leaves from a good draw and can position midfield with cover throughout the event from a clean getaway.
No obvious speed influence in this, perhaps Lookatourstar rolls across from out wide with blinkers going on, dragging Lucky Compass with it, who is drawn next door. Very open affair, with many seeing the mile start for the first time, while the leading chances have all drawn poorly. Lucky Compass was solid when on debut over 1400-metres at Sale two Sundays ago. He had every chance to finish closer but hit the line soundly and will be fitter for the outing. Mrs Bull looks suited up in trip and back on firmer ground. The run at Donald last start gave every indication she’ll get a strong 1600-metres here. Piankhi debuted in a metropolitan two-year-old race three weeks ago, just holding his ground over 1300-metres. He’d jumped out well prior and a top three finish wouldn’t surprise. There’s others with each way claims.
Almonti was given a good ride and performed accordingly first-up, running through the line strongly to finish on the heels of subsequent Geelong winner Fly Lie. That’s good form for this, and with the dangers drawn wide and needing luck, the Dwyer runner firms as a genuine winning hope.
Currently, Almonti is a $4.60 chance in the market.
Swan Hill
Race 3 – The Autumn Belle
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1200m – Barrier 13
Three-year-old filly The Autumn Belle makes her racetrack debut over 1200-metres at Swan Hill this afternoon. The chestnut daughter of The Autumn Sun has jumped out twice in the past month, improving on the grass surface when ridden positively in her latest hitout. Jockey Madison Lloyd has drawn wide today and won’t bustle out of the gates, rather looking for cover somewhere around midfield to settle her filly.
Speed comes from the middle with Awen and Single ‘N’ Ready to push forward, while Heavenly Legend can use the inside alley to boot through and race prominently throughout. Scratchings have claimed a few main hopes, resulting in a competitive race with plenty of inexperienced gallopers. Single ‘N’ Ready was good on debut at Bairnsdale three weeks ago, hitting the line strongly over 1000-metres. She camped behind the leaders there and was pushed wide around the bend, taking a while to balance up but was very good late, suggesting the rise to 1200-metres is ideal for this filly. Three Jacks was solid on debut before pulling up with issues last time out. Expecting this galloper to bounce back today and be one of the late closers. Heavenly Legend started in the market on debut but was only fair on the synthetic. He could improve on a turf track with a good draw. Market support for Sunny Times indicates he could be ready to go first-up.
The Autumn Belle will benefit from whatever she does at the races today. She’s improved throughout her preparation and gets a lovely surface for racing on a track that generally plays fairly. With luck from a wide draw, she can collect a cheque for connections on debut.
Currently, The Autumn Belle is a $15 chance in the market.
Swan Hill
Race 4 – Imapagethree Girl
Jockey – Jarrod Fry
975m – Barrier 10
New season four-year-old Imapagethree Girl debuts over the 975-metre dash at Swan Hill this afternoon. The daughter of Press Statement has impressed at the jumpouts of late, showing good speed and cruising around to finish second in her latest effort. Jockey Jarrod Fry will want to use that early toe from a wide gate here, though drawing wide is only a minor hindrance from the chute start.
Perfect Costa has drawn immediately inside the Dwyer runner and will surge forward early, possibly dragging Imapagethree Girl across with her. Sailor’s Rum gets blinkers on and will be prominent from the inside, while Bluff Point can camp just behind the speed from a soft draw. This galloper was solid when fresh seven weeks ago, jumping out soundly in the interim to keep ticking over. She finished second at her only second-up run in a strong race and maps for the right run here. She’s hardest to beat. It’s Maui’s Gold has performed well at both career starts and will be nearing peak fitness on his home track today. He’ll get back from the outset and be the strong late closer. Overthrow was disappointing at his Victorian debut but expect him to improve here. Sailor’s Rum next best, with the head gear he could jump straight to the front and take catching at this trip. Open race!
Imapagethree Girl will need a touch of luck to avoid being trapped wide on a limb throughout the event. She has good natural speed and will lob in the first few, just how much fuel she uses up early could play a role in the finish here. She has the ability to be right in this and should be considered a winning chance.
Currently, Imapagethree Girl is a $3.30 chance in the market.