Geelong
Race 4 – Lupine
Jockey – Jamie Mott
1347m – Barrier 6
Three-year-old galloper Lupine resumes at Geelong today, fourteen weeks after his debut effort at Donald in September. The gelded son of Tivaci did a bit wrong on that occasion, but will present better for the experience at his second start today. Jockey Jamie Mott rides from barrier six and will let Lupine settle where he’s comfortable, likely one or two pairs back with cover.
Speed is drawn outside with Lunar Module, Sinepia and Cat Noir all looking to roll across in the early parts, which should give Lupine a nice cart into the race to find his position. Some Sheila comes here third-up following two good runs this campaign. She has run well on soft ground previously and the extra trip is in her favour today. From a good draw, she’ll be hard to hold out late. Sinepia was a runner-up when fresh here three weeks ago, unable to run down an all-the-way winner. The track had a mad on-speed bias that day, so the run may have been better than it looked. So too Moment Of Truth who settled further back in the same race. No surprise to see Hampton Palace run well on debut, he’s jumped out well in preparation.
Lupine will be better for the run today, and likely suited over more ground. The wet track shouldn’t be an issue for him, and keen to see how he handles himself when allowed to stride freely in the early stages of the race. With improvement to come, he can collect a cheque for connections today.
Currently, Lupine is a $23 chance in the market.