Ballarat (poly)
Race 6 – Rock Dee Jay
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1400m – Barrier 5
Five-year-old galloper Rock Dee Jay has his first look at Ballarat’s synthetic track on raceday this afternoon. The gelded son of Awesome Rock has improved at all three runs this preparation, closing soundly behind an even-priced favourite at Warracknabeal Saturday-week ago. Blinkers go back on today, jockey Mitch Aitken can take up the lead or camp just behind it from a good draw.
Speed looks okay with American Liaison and Philosophers Stone to jump quickly from the outside, while Crown Harmonium won’t be far away from an inside draw. Competitive race with a logjam at the top of the market. London Point comes back in grade following two sound runs in benchmark-64 company. Her effort at this track when fresh was good, and she only has to match that to go close here. Crown Harmonium won comfortably at this track and trip a fortnight ago, her second win from three tries on the Ballarat poly. She’s drawn for the right run and will be hard to beat again. Philosophers Stone has been racing well without winning, and comes in well after the apprentice claim. Drops in grade today and must be considered amongst the leading hopes. Not much would surprise in this race.
Rock Dee Jay has drawn for the right run today and the gear change will see him more forward in the run. Keen to see him on the synthetic track, his best is good enough to mix it with these. Will get his chance to run on and should be considered a strong each way chance.
Currently, Rock Dee Jay is a $14 chance in the market.