Mount Gambier
Race 5 – Pittsburgh Pirate
Jockey – Neil Farley
1800m – Barrier 3
Improving galloper Pittsburgh Pirate steps out to 1800-metres today, shooting at a hattrick of wins this preparation. The gelded son of Pierro was an easy maiden winner at Swan Hill two starts ago, then put his nose down at the right time when showing good fight over 1700-metres at Geelong. Jockey Neil Farley maintains the ride and can enjoy a position outside or just behind the speed from barrier three.
Speed is drawn inside with Hasta La Prince and Rain Dance likely to punch forward early, while Red Patrol won’t be far away on settling. Hasta La Prince has won his past two starts, beating home Badonkidonk at Naracoorte three weeks ago. That horse went very close in a stronger event at Morphettville last weekend. He’ll get every chance if they decide to lead on him and shapes as hardest to beat in this. Red Patrol won his maiden here by over seven lengths before a good effort in stronger grade last start. He’s up in trip but no reason he can’t be thereabouts again. Concede an each way chance to Rain Dance who drops in class for this.
Pittsburgh Pirate draws for a good run from the 1800-metre chute and is racing in terrific fashion. Out to 1800-metres looks ideal and he’s fit for four runs in this campaign. Genuine hattrick contender.
Currently, Pittsburgh Pirate is a $3.60 chance in the market.
Mount Gambier
Race 8 – The Siscos Kid
Jockey – Neil Farley
1200m – Barrier 4
Danerich gelding The Siscos Kid is seven weeks between runs when he heads to Mount Gambier this afternoon. The seven-year-old galloper has won a jumpout since his last start against stronger opposition at Ballarat, finishing in the second half of the field after stringing two wins together prior. Jockey Neil Farley rides from barrier four and will be positive from the outset, looking to settle on speed from the 1200-metre start.
A few will look to roll forward here, with Duke Of Anjou and First Division possessing good early speed from the inside, while Anrushka and Ornamental Lady may show some intent from the outside. Several with a chance in a competitive race. Ornamental Lady finished two lengths astern of All Beans at Morphettville last start, that horse going on to win comfortably in stronger company last Saturday. Will need luck from the draw but must be considered among the winning hopes. Duke Of Anjou did plenty wrong last start but had been in good form prior. He races well here (7:2-0-2) and should get things in his favour from a low draw. Each way chances to Chill With Teejay, First Division and Heir Of Tavistock. Not much would surprise.
The Siscos Kid has been kept ticking over with a jumpout win since his last start and has drawn favourably today. He’ll need to step cleanly to settle handy in the short run to the first bend, and if he can do this, will be right in the mix late.
Currently, The Siscos Kid is a $7 chance in the market.