Stawell
Race 3 – I’m Exonerated
Jockey – Jack Hill
1600m – Barrier 1
Turn Me Loose gelding I’m Exonerated is quickly up to a mile when second-up at Stawell this afternoon. The three-year-old galloper was sound on debut at Geelong three weeks ago, finishing alongside subsequent Mornington winner Our Couver when fifth. The extra trip suits today, and jockey Jack Hill can settle closer to the speed off a steadier tempo from the inside alley.
Speed comes from the outside with Paul Edward and Dollar Bucks to roll forward, while Overflow Miss will hold her position from nearer the rail. This galloper improved when out to this trip last start, finishing runner-up at Terang a fortnight ago. She sets up for a soft run and shapes as hardest to beat in this. Spring Bean is another who has drawn well, and has not been far away at his past couple. If he steps with them, he’ll be right in the mix. Stand By Me Ned was beaten as favourite at Nhill on Boxing Day, setting the pace there and only run down late. He can improve with a quieter ride. The race drops away from there.
I’m Exonerated will be better for his debut effort and has drawn for a lovely run today. If he begins cleanly he can put himself into the race and offer a kick in the short run home. Must be considered a winning hope.
Currently, I’m Exonerated is a $4 chance in the market.
Stawell
Race 6 – Count Of Anjou
Jockey – Jack Hill
1100m – Barrier 1
Four-year-old galloper Count Of Anjou resumes from a spell over 1100-metres at Stawell this afternoon. The gelded son of Rubick had two starts in his first campaign, running soundly on debut before winning his maiden at Warracknabeal and heading to the paddock. Jockey Jack Hill has drawn the inside alley today and will want to begin cleanly, holding his position in the first few in running.
Writey O’pal will go fast from barrier two and look to hold the lead, while Zalini and Ideel Girl won’t be far away when runners settle. Many with a chance. Luv The Bool ran a super race first-up last preparation, finishing runner-up in a strong form race. He won his next start, and expecting him to be thereabouts fresh today. Will be running on late. Writey O’pal has drawn to control the race from the front, jumping out well in preparation for today. If he gets a drying surface, he’s right in the mix. Southern Native is another first-up here with a good fresh record (6:1-2-1). He’s another who wants a dry deck. Thunder Park is second-up after finishing second at Geelong four weeks ago. He’s a consistent galloper that must be considered. Zalini is racing well but finds it hard to win. Can’t discount as a place chance.
Count Of Anjou should receive a nice run in transit on speed or tucked in just behind the leaders. His recent jumpout was sound and no surprise to see him in the numbers today. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Count Of Anjou is a $7.50 chance in the market.