Swan Hill
Race 5 – Dancethenightaway
Jockey – Sarah Field
2400m – Barrier 7
Four-year-old mare Dancethenightaway returns to Swan Hill a fortnight after a solid performance when fourth behind Watergate. The daughter of Highland Reel gave her usual honest effort on that occasion, unable to run down the all-the-way leader and finishing 2.25-lengths from Reservoir Dog, who has since run well up in class. Apprentice hoop Sarah Field can be positive from the gates, looking to roll across and find the back of the leaders before the first bend.
Watergate has drawn wide and will cart across in search of the lead, shooting at a hattrick of wins beyond 2200-metres. He’ll have company early in the form of Brilliant Venture, who will kick-up underneath him and make him work to find the lead, while The Geisha can punch through from the inside alley and hold a prominent position. A few of these chased Watergate here last time out and have a bit of ground to make up on him today. He gets in with the same weight after an apprentice claim and won’t mind the sting out of the ground should the rain arrive. He looks the one to beat again. Naval Aviator’s past two runs have been good at this trip, breaking through for a maiden win at his latest. He can take a sit off the leaders and have the last crack at them. Concede an each way chance to Brilliant Venture who will appreciate dropping in class. He looks well-placed in this grade and is hard fit. Stablemate Morpurgo looks suited by the rise in trip, he has claims.
Dancethenightaway can enjoy a nice run in transit behind the leading pair and comes in well after the apprentice claim. She wants the rain to keep away today, and if the track stays in the good range, presents as a strong each way chance with blinkers applied for the first time.
Currently, Dancethenightaway is a $6 chance in the market.
Swan Hill
Race 5 – Morpurgo
Jockey – Will Gordon
2400m – Barrier 8
Five-year-old galloper Morpurgo rises in trip to 2400-metres at Swan Hill this afternoon. The gelded son of Toronado was sound at this track over a mile a fortnight ago, and will appreciate the drop in class for today’s contest. Jockey Will Gordon has drawn wide on the track and will look for cover midfield approaching the first turn.
Watergate has drawn wide and will cart across in search of the lad, shooting at a hattrick of wins beyond 2200-metres. He’ll have company early in the form of Brilliant Venture, who will kick-up underneath him and make him work to find the lead, while The Geisha can punch through from the inside alley and hold a prominent position. Stablemate Dancethenightaway won’t be far away upon settling and can box seat behind the leaders throughout. A few of these chased Watergate here last time out and have a bit of ground to make up on him today. He gets in with the same weight after an apprentice claim and won’t mind the sting out of the ground should the rain arrive. He looks the one to beat again. Naval Aviator’s past two runs have been good at this trip, breaking through for a maiden win at his latest. He can take a sit off the leaders and have the last crack at them. Concede an each way chance to Brilliant Venture who will appreciate dropping in class. He looks well-placed in this grade and is hard fit. Dancethenightaway is hard fit and racing well. She has strong each way claims.
Morpurgo was solid to the line last start and races like he’s looking for the extra trip. He’s best suited on top of the ground so will be hoping the rain stays away until later in the day. He should get a nice cart into the race and has the long Swan Hill straight to wind up and attack the line. In with an each way chance in a competitive race.
Currently, Morpurgo is a $3.90 chance in the market.