Flemington
Race 6 – Asfoora
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
Group 1 Champions Sprint 1200m – Barrier 9
Sprinting star Asfoora returns to Group One level this afternoon, taking on the famous 1200-metre start at Flemington. The daughter of Flying Artie was an emphatic winner last start, smashing her rivals to win the Group Two Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield three weeks ago, and has earned another crack at top honours today. Jockey Mitch Aitken has drawn ideally towards the outside of the field, able to jump on terms and take a sit just of the leading runners.
Front Page and Star Patrol will begin quickly and take up the lead in the early stages, setting up a nice trail for Asfoora who should be able to get their backs and enjoy a nice run. Kiwi galloper Imperatriz has drawn the right part of the track and is looking to keep her unbeaten campaign in tact. She has won three from three – all at The Valley – including two at this level. Her last start win in the Manikato was almost effortless, and she’s the one to beat again today. First look at the Flemington straight the only knock. In contrast, New South Wales visitor In Secret has won both starts at this track, the Newmarket Handicap in March her last appearance in the winner’s stall. She ran very well in The Everest four weeks ago and comes here fourth-up. She’ll prove hard to hold out. Of the others, Star Patrol is racing well and loves it here (6:4-1-0). He’ll get every chance from the front. Bella Nipotina’s win in Sydney last start was eye-catching, but no wins from seven tries here reads poorly. Hard to make a strong case for the rest.
Asfoora is racing in terrific fashion, and by this stage of the day should have access to the best part of the track. 1200-metres is the query, but her last effort at this trip was an excellent run in The Quokka when only gunned down late. She’s fit and firing, and ready to give this a real shake.
Currently, Asfoora is a $13 chance in the market.
Flemington
Race 9 – Prairie Flower
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1100m – Barrier 9
Star Turn mare Prairie Flower is second-up and fitter when she contests the final race of the Flemington carnival this afternoon. Resuming with an excellent runner-up effort at Seymour last start, the talented four-year-old stays at 1100-metres and presents fitter second-up. Jockey Mitch Aitken has drawn well in the middle of the line able to tuck in and find cover in the early parts of the race.
Give Giggles has drawn low and will head up the runners on the inside section of the track, while River Noire, Zac De Boss and Along The River will all push forward from further out. Tough race to sort out. Anilla and Bews finished alongside each other at this track/trip two starts back, and both won subsequently at their next starts. Doubt there’s much between them again and both represent each way value. Give Giggles will give plenty of cheek out in front and is fitter for two runs this time in. She beat home Mornington Glory first-up, before winning again out to 1200-metres last start. Back to 1100-metres no knock. Mornington Glory also progressed to win at his next run, easily accounting for his rivals at Geelong. Kin races well here – albeit without a win – and has trialled nicely for her return. She’s another with a hope. Others with claims in a very difficult way to end the carnival.
Prairie Flower finished behind Bews first-up, that runner finding the right part of the track and finishing over the top. The market discrepancy between the two is puzzling, given Prairie Flower will only improve from the run. She can enjoy a lovely trail throughout here, Aitken looking to find clear air around the 400-metre mark to run on. In a tricky race, she must be considered an each way hope.
Currently, Prairie Flower is a $19 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 4 – Pittsburgh Pirate
Jockey – Neil Farley
1715m – Barrier 7
Last start maiden winner Pittsburgh Pirate finds a suitable progression at Geelong this afternoon. The gelded son of Pierro was strong when putting his rivals away at Swan Hill four weeks ago, the addition of blinkers key to his maiden success. The head gear stays on today, and jockey Neil Farley can roll across to find a position outside or just behind the speed early on.
Sandblast and Guided Muscle have drawn next to each other in the middle of the line and will roll forward together from the start, while Pittsburgh Pirate may follow them across with Whistler Girl to take up forward positions heading into the back straight. A few key chances in this, starting with Luna Diva who was only run down late by subsequent city winner Hobo Bob. She’s drawn awkwardly but may elect to push forward and play for luck, looking for cover one or two pairs back. The Hobo Bob form is good for a race like this, however 300-days out of the winner’s stall is the knock. Guided Muscle has drawn to find the lead and gets in here with no weight after an apprentice claim. He’s racing well and will take running down if he’s allowed to control proceedings from the front. Conceding each way chances to Lake Titicaca and Dirty Angel who could both improve up in trip.
Pittsburgh Pirate has had a tick-over jumpout between runs and looks to have improved from his win last outing. He’s fit and the in-form Farley was keen to secure the ride again today. This isn’t a giant leap in grade, he can go on with the job today.
Currently, Pittsburgh Pirate is a $4 chance in the market.