Sandown
Race 6 – Pittsburgh Pirate
Jockey – Celine Gaudray
2400m – Barrier 13
In-form galloper Pittsburgh Pirate rises in distance and class when he heads to Sandown for the first time today. The gelded son of Pierro has been racing in terrific heart this preparation, winning three of his past four starts, earning a crack at Wednesday city grade. Gun apprentice Celine Gaudray claims down to 59.5kg and can look to slot in with cover midfield or worse from a wide barrier.
Speed comes across from out wide with Untethered and Larsen Bay looking to roll forward, while Tewkesbury and Piercing Sky will punch through from their inside alleys to hold prominent positions in the run. Big field, many with claims. Musgrave, Larsen Bay, Adonis Kick and Northern Barrage ran second to fifth respectively behind Call The Union at The Valley three weeks ago. Liked the way Musgrave hit the line there and if runners can make ground, he’ll be hard to hold out late. Northern Barrage appeared unlucky not to finish closer in that race, no surprise to see him right there with even luck today. Tewkesbury can be tied in with these horses, he ran fourth behind Dublin Journal two back, finishing within ½-length of Call The Union that day. Does find it hard to win though. Unusual Pearl was good when up in class on the Lakeside circuit in November, before being a beaten favourite at Geelong four weeks ago. Pittsburgh Pirate won that race. Hot Suspect gets in well after an apprentice claim and has each way claims.
Pittsburgh Pirate gives every indication that he’s ready for 2400-metres and will enjoy an improving track by this stage of the day. His confidence is high, and if Gaudray can find a favourable position in the run early, he can be fighting out the finish. Each way claims in a very open affair.
Currently, Pittsburgh Pirate is an $8 chance in the market.