Flemington
Race 1 – Electric Impulse
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1200m – Barrier 12
Promising mare Electric Impulse returns to the races today, six weeks after an impressive win at Sandown. The daughter of Cable Bay ran on strongly from the back on that occasion, registering back-to-back wins over 1400-metres this preparation. She drops back to 1200-metres today, having her first look at the straight track at Flemington. Jockey Madison Lloyd can plot a path down the outside part of the track from a wide draw, taking a trail in the second half of the field.
Two of the main speed influences have come out this morning, meaning this could be an ambling affair early on. Stormbolt gets blinkers back on and can be prominent towards the outside, while Crestani and Harbin like to be forward in their races so expect them to race handy again. Bews sets up for a nice trail today after appearing unlucky not to win at this track last start. He was held up for clear running before getting clear, only to be impeded late and just miss on the line. Up to 1200-metres looks ideal and he shapes as toughest to beat. Suparazi was good first-up when runner-up behind Najem Suhail, before another sound effort in Sydney three weeks ago. Fitter third-up and could have the last crack. Boldinho has been racing well in weaker grade and post-scratchings today, this doesn’t look much harder. Anilla beat Boldinho home a month ago, after running third behind Va Via at Caulfield the start prior. Both of these runners come back in trip but represent each way chances. Concede an each way hope to Stormbolt who resumes and will be given every chance form on speed.
Electric Impulse finished well when third at this trip first-up in May. Her best is over a little further and she’ll improve from the outing after a let-up between runs. She can watch the speed battle unfold before her and wind up towards the outside rail, hitting the line strongly. A few of these may be too sharp, she’ll be better next start over more ground. Look for her late.
Currently, Electric Impulse is a $9 chance in the market.
Murtoa
Race 3 – Pittsburgh Pirate
Jockey – Neil Farley
1600m – Barrier 2
Four-year0old galloper Pittsburgh Pirate is second-up and fitter when he gets out to a mile at Murtoa this afternoon. The gelded son of Pierro was sound at Echuca when fresh three weeks ago, holding his position to finish fifth at 1400-metres after settling behind the speed. Jockey Neil Farley rides from barrier two today and will be hoping to get away cleanly again, lobbing on or outside the speed heading into the first bend.
I’m Airborne rises sharply in distance after his debut run over 1100-metres, and looks as likely as any to push forward with the steadier tempo at a mile. Tokyo Star shapes as hardest to beat in this following a solid showing in town last start. She was second-up at 1500-metres there and is ready for the mile today. Where she lands in the run from a tricky gate will be key, but with even luck does look the main danger. Cock’s Eldorado was good from the back at Horsham last start and can lob closer to the speed from a good draw here. Extra trip a plus, he has each way claims. So too Bella Tesoro who chased Berry Foxie home at Donald three weeks ago. That was her first go at a mile and can be in the mix again today. I’m Airborne best of the rest.
Pittsburgh Pirate has taken good physical benefit from his fresh run and will continue to improve as his preparation progresses. His coat looks fantastic and from the draw, Farley can put him right in the firing line at a track that favours those on speed. Sting out of the ground is a positive, and he’s a genuine each way chance in this.
Currently, Pittsburgh Pirate is a $7.50 chance in the market.