Swan Hill
Race 7 – Shakib
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2400m – Barrier 8
Improving galloper Shakib is third-up and fitter when out to 2400-metres at Swan Hill this afternoon. The ex-Kiwi gelding has been given a solid jumpout since finishing down the track at Ballarat three weeks ago, and the addition of blinkers today will see a sharper performance. Jockey Mitch Aitken jumps from a wide gate and can be positive early, looking to sit outside or just behind the speed heading into the first bend.
Ceardai will use the inside alley to punch forward and find the lead, while After The Impact and Savvy Acquisition may elect to roll forward in the early parts. A few key hopes and a long tail in this. Turfie was a beaten favourite in 58-grade last start, having run well in stronger company the two starts prior. The effort behind Five Rings at Benalla is good form for this. Drawn well and hardest to beat. Reddivo and Red Cracker come through the same race at Geelong last weekend, finishing third and fourth respectively. Both will likely go back and be running on late. Concede an each way chance to Savvy Acquisition who races well on his home track.
Shakib jumped out well in blinkers and keeps the headgear on for today’s race. He’s fitter third-up and can settle handy in a race of few speed horses. With improvement expected today, he’s a genuine each way hope.
Currently, Shakib is a $15 chance in the market.
Kilmore
Race 9 – Kasami
Jockey – Jamie Mott
1200m – Barrier 4
Speedy mare Kasami stays at 1200-metres for today’s contest at Kilmore. The daughter of Shooting To Win hasn’t been able to show her best on dry ground in three runs this preparation, but does find a track with some give this afternoon. Jockey Jamie Mott leaves from a middle gate and can be positive early, looking to land in front or outside the leader throughout.
Speed is drawn either side of Kasami, with Hallowed Ground and Lord Sundowner to roll forward and sit handy from the outset. Lord Sundowner has shown good early toe at two recent jumpouts, winning both in impressive style. He’s won fresh before and is suited with the sting out of the surface. In the mix. Mysweetmoses and Frost Yourself come right back in grade after finishing down the track in the greys race at Flemington. Both had been good at previous runs and will prove hard to hold out today. Harmonious Senora is another who has been jumping out well and looks ready to perform fresh.
Kasami looked good at a recent jumpout and all signs point to an improved performance today. She draws for the right run and will appreciate the soft going under hoof. If she gets 1200-metres, she’s a genuine each way chance.
Currently, Kasami is a $20 chance in the market.