Donald
Race 4 – Morpurgo
Jockey – Neil Farley
2200m – Barrier 1
Consistent galloper Morpurgo gets blinkers back on and the inside alley when he heads to Donald this afternoon. The gelded son of Toronado has been racing in good fashion this preparation, coming back a furlong in distance for today’s race. Jockey Neil Farley can use the inside draw to his advantage, able to punch forward and find a prominent position heading into the back straight.
Bruno Stars and No matter What may elect to roll forward in search of the lead early on, but neither are noted leaders. Small but competitive field. Hot Suspect had a pipe-opener at Ararat last weekend and strips fitter for today’s race. He maps for a lovely run midfield and can make his presence felt late. Long time since his last win the major knock. No Matter What has improved with each run this preparation and a win looks close. First go this distance but races like she’ll get it. Concede each way chances to Dirt On Harry and Lucky Jackson, while Bruno Stars will improve back up in distance here.
Morpurgo is hard-fit for recent racing and Farley can give him a lovely run throughout here. The headgear will sharpen him up today, and he must be considered a leading hope in this.
Currently, Morpurgo is a $3.70 chance in the market.
Donald
Race 5 – Rising Sun
Jockey – Neil Farley
1200m – Barrier 6
Debut winner Rising Sun is quickly up to benchmark-64 grade at Donald this afternoon. The gelded son of Fighting Sun showed good early dash to lead throughout at Horsham four weeks ago, beating home subsequent Geelong winner Nullafiord comfortably on that occasion. In-form hoop Neil Farley rides from a middle draw here and can be ridden positively again, looking to settle on or just behind the speed on settling.
Greenhill Prince will roll forward first-up from a spell, so too will last start winner Mister Jonno from a good draw. This galloper had all the favours sitting off a hot speed at Warrnambool but was strong to the line when it counted. He can boot-up and hold a position in the first two pairs and no surprise to see him in the finish again. Magic Chloe will appreciate the bigger track and can get a lovely run midfield throughout. If she finds room in the home straight, she’ll go close here. Xtramagic will get back and run on, while Spare Coin isn’t without a hope in an even affair.
Rising Sun was very impressive winning on debut and will be full of confidence from the experience. This is harder, but the form from his maiden win has been franked and the horse is in terrific order. If he can find a position early without overdoing things, he can be in the thick of things again. Genuine each way chance.
Currently, Rising Sun is a $5 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 3 – Wannon Rebel
Jockey – Blaike McDougall
2440m – Barrier 10
Four-year-old galloper Wannon Rebel gets blinkers on third-up at Geelong this afternoon. The gelded son of Rebel Raider has been sound at his two career starts, both at 2000-metres, and will appreciate the extra ground here today. Jockey Blaike McDougall rides from an outside draw but can be positive early, looking for a position outside or just behind the speed from the outset.
It’s My Party looks the obvious leader in this, having been sent forward in all runs this preparation. She had been racing well and trending towards a win before a forget-run at Yarra Valley last start. Previous form is good enough to give her a chance in this today. Knentii has improved with each run this campaign and the extra trip looks to be in his favour. Drawn to get a lovely trail, he’ll prove hard to hold out late. Mandino has a string of placings to his name but comes back in distance or this. No surprise to see him fill a spot again, but is far too short in the market. Concede an each way chance to Arthurian Princess who strips fitter for this second-up.
Wannon Rebel is fitter for two runs this preparation and strikes a moderate event on a suitable track today. He’ll improve with the blinkers applied, and with the rail out, can have a tactical advantage on the front half of the field. No surprise to see him run top three up in distance.
Currently, Wannon Rebel is a $14 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 7 – Quick Fingers
Jockey – Tahlia Hope
1525m – Barrier 13
Four-year-old mare Quick Fingers drops in class for today’s contest at Geelong. The daughter of Caravaggio was strong maiden winner two start back, before sound efforts at Avoca and Kilmore at her past two. Jockey Tahlia Hope has drawn very wide and will roll across in the early parts, needing luck to slot in and find a position in running.
Not a mad speed race. Drink Then Kiss will punch forward from the inside and hold its spot, while Nevada Breeze may go forward and drag Quick Fingers across from the outside. Mr Trafficanti finally broke through for a maiden win last start and may be ready to go on with the job now. He beat home subsequent winner Speranzoso on that occasion and should be full of confidence for this race. Rarely puts in a bad one and must be considered here. Nevada Breeze has been racing well without winning, his effort at this track last start good enough to have him in the mix again today. Does find it hard to win, but so do most of these. Kentahten fits that mould perfectly, stringing a swag of placings together without getting the job done. Is today the day for win number two? Allegedly was solid first-up and may run a good race at odds. Almost anything could win this.
Quick Fingers will need luck in the early stages of the race to find her position, but should be able to sit outside or just behind the speed on settling. Her last start effort was good behind Belluna, who has since run well up in grade. In an open affair, Quick Fingers is a genuine each way chance at a good price.
Currently, Quick Fingers is an $11 chance in the market.