Ballarat (poly)
Race 1 – Dancethenightaway
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2100m – Barrier 1
Highland Reel mare Dancethenightaway stays at 2100-metres today following a sound effort at this track and trip eighteen days ago. Dwyer’s four-year-old galloper has been a little disappointing since winning here over 1500-metres in June, but gets her chance to return to form in a small field this afternoon. Mitch Aitken can be positive in the early stages from the inside alley and hold the lead into the first bend.
Just four rivals for the Dwyer galloper today, in what looks an even contest. Stormie won his maiden at this track and distance last start by four-and-a-half lengths, and could be ready to go on with the job. That was his first go on the poly and beyond 2000-metres, ticking both boxes with aplomb. Looks as likely as any to win this. Halcyon East won at Casterton three starts back but has been plain since, though the last run is hard to gauge. He’ll go forward and make his own luck. Vino Corona won won her maiden at 1500-metres here first-up and will be fitter for that run. First go at the trip but creates interest. Savoie has been running well in weaker grade but finds it hard to win. No wins on synthetic tracks from seven attempts isn’t encouraging.
Dancethenightaway is fit and should have no excuses from the inside barrier here. She finds a moderate, albeit even race to bounce back to form today, but needs to prove she can gallop beyond 2000-metres. If she does this, there’s no reason to suggest she can’t figure in the finish.
Currently, Dancethenightaway is a $4.60 chance in the market.
Ballarat (poly)
Race 8 – Kyteler
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1400m – Barrier 6
Resuming galloper Kyteler kicks off his preparation over 1400-metres on the poly at Ballarat today. The gelded son of Shamus Award won his only start at this track in July last year and has jumped out soundly in preparation for this afternoon. Jockey Mitch Aitken can be positive from a middle draw in a race lacking blistering early speed, and park outside or just behind the lead before the turn.
Just Wishing looks the likely leader from barrier four, while New Jersey and Wild Vitality can make her work from their inside draws. New Jersey raced in better company last preparation without threatening and is better suited back to this grade today. He’s jumped out well for this and can box seat behind the leaders. One of the main chances. Great Ambition has won three of five starts at this track, including two at 1400-metres. She was good here a fortnight ago and should be considered a winning hope. Wild Vitality gets blinkers for the first time and can sit handy to the speed. He faded badly when fresh but will be fitter today and can stay in this for longer. Concede an each way chance to Big Darryl who has been sound here at his past couple.
Kyteler will take improvement from the run today, however strikes a very winnable affair first-up. He won’t be far away in the run and his jumpouts suggest he’s returned in good order. Must be considered a strong each way chance.
Currently, Kyteler is a $3.30 chance in the market.