Geelong
Race 8 – Almonti
Jockey – Declan Bates
1765m – Barrier 3
Last start maiden winner Almonti jumps to benchmark-64 grade at Geelong this afternoon. The gelded son of Dundeel was strong when winning at Swan Hill over a mile last start, holding off a fast-finishing Lucky Compass in the final stages. That horse starts solid in the market earlier in the day, so we’ll get some guide as to how strong that race was three weeks ago. The rise in trip looks to suit this four-year-old, and with the rail out jockey Declan Bates will look for a spot in the front half of the field from a good draw.
Reset The Jazz will press forward from a favourable draw here and be prominent throughout, while Deal Obtained can roll across from out wider and sit outside the speed. A few chances in a competitive race, starting with New York Hurricane who can camp off the speed and have the last crack. He just missed Reset The Jazz at Swan Hill last start over a mile, and looks suited by the rise in trip today. Provided runners can make some ground today, he must be considered a winning hope. Reset The Jazz was brave on speed when fighting up the long Swan Hill straight three weeks ago. He can lead and be in this for a long way again. Cru Classe is racing well but contends with a sticky draw this afternoon. Over two years without a win a concern. Concede and each way chance to Sacred Bull who can bounce back after having conditions against at The Valley last start.
Almonti maps for a similar run to his maiden win last start, able to box seat behind the speed and peel out at the top of the straight. He showed good fight to find the line at Swan Hill and comes here fitter for two runs this campaign. His chances are enhanced by the predicted on-speed nature of the racing today, and he is a strong each way chance in this.
Currently, Almonti is a $13 chance in the market.