Pakenham
Race 1 – Jayveekay
Jockey – Beau Mertens
1400m – Barrier 6
Three-year-old debutant Jayveekay finds a competitive maiden to kick off her racing career over 1400-metres under lights at Pakenham. The daughter of Manhattan Rain has jumped out soundly in preparation for tonight, running through the line well at St Arnaud in her latest hitout. Jockey Beau Mertens leaves from a middle barrier and will drift back in the early parts, enjoying a soft run in transit.
A host of first-starters muddies the speed map, but expect Hot Pursuit to roll forward from an outside gate following an improved performance last start when ridden on-speed. The form of Socks Nation stands out here, finishing within half-a-length of subsequent Listed winner Roll On High at Sandown eight weeks ago. She’s won a jumpout between runs and shapes as hardest to beat here. Special Dancer was nearly six lengths astern of Roll On High when they met, though that galloper was improved on that occasion. She can improve second-up and is the other main hope in the race tonight. Of the others, Burlington Gate finished well on debut and will appreciate the extra furlong on offer, while Rebellious Hope can improve off a sound debut a fortnight ago.
1400-metres is a suitable starting point for Jayveekay, who will be better over even further next time at the races. She’ll get her chance to straighten up on the big track and run through the line, but is likely to find a few of these too sharp at the trip.
Currently, Jayveekay is a $21 chance in the market.
Pakenham
Race 4 – Frankie Divine
Jockey – Beau Mertens
1400m – Barrier 7
Frankie Divine gets blinkers for the first time in raceday conditions at Pakenham tonight. The gelded son of Written Tycoon has had excuses when plain at his past couple, but was an excellent run at Sandown the start prior in August. Jockey Beau Mertens rides from a middle gate and can be positive early, looking for a position in the first four heading into the bend.
Vonk can use a low draw to kick-up and contest the lead from the start, while Amahle won a Cranbourne trial in blinkers when sitting handy throughout. This runner is a big price but keeps the head gear on and is likely to punch through from gate one and hold the lead. Each way claims. Tycoon Lad is another who led and won a recent jumpout, and looks ready to perform on debut. Wide gate no help but has had market support. Concede each way chances to a swag of runners, including Grand Tourine, who will appreciate getting out in trip, and Piercing Sky, who ran on well to win a St Arnaud jumpout comfortably. Others wouldn’t surprise in a very open affair.
Frankie Divine will benefit from the gear change tonight, and could improve sharply if able to be ridden closer. He’s sound and fit, and a repeat of his Sandown effort has him right in the each way mix tonight.
Currently, Frankie Divine is a $16 chance in the market.