Caulfield
Race 1 – Pittsburgh Pirate
Jockey – Celine Gaudray
2400m – Barrier 3
In-form galloper Pittsburgh Pirate stays at 2400-metres when he heads to Caulfield this afternoon. The gelded son of Pierro is racing in terrific fashion, winning three of his past five and thundering home from last when beaten by the barrier at Sandown last start. Apprentice hoop Celine Gaudray has drawn kinder in gate three today, and can find a position one or two pairs back with cover heading out of the first turn.
Speed is drawn wide with Untethered and Speranzoso to roll across and look for the front early on, setting up lovely trails for Pittsburgh Pirate and Northern Barrage from inside draws. The latter started favourite at Sandown last start, where he was plain when beaten home by some key rivals here. The start prior at The Valley was a much better performance, and if he can replicate that he’s right in the mix today. Untethered led that Sandown race for a long way, only collared late by the winner. Adonis Kick had a soft run but did close well for third in the same race. Both with each way claims. Speranzoso was a dominant winner two starts back at Geelong after finishing runner-up to Glentaneous the start prior. Back in grade today and will make his own luck on-speed. He’s hardest to beat in a competitive affair.
Pittsburgh Pirate maps to get the right run today and is hard fit at this point of his preparation. If Gaudray can get out and rolling before the bend, she can pour the pressure on the frontrunners and look the winner in the straight. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Pittsburgh Pirate is a $4.20 chance in the market.
Hanging Rock
Race 7 – Friday At Five
Jockey – Neil Farley
1800m – Barrier 3
Five-year-old mare Friday At Five takes on Open company in the Hanging Rock Cup this afternoon. The daughter of Zoustar was a strong winner at Mornington four weeks ago, before a sound effort at Flemington over a mile last start. Jockey Neil Farley rides from barrier three today and can be positive early, looking to land one or two pairs back upon settling.
Early speed is genuine with Jefferson to roll across from the outside, while Disturbia and Makalu will punch forward from nearer the rail with Friday At Five. Makalu has been good at all three runs this preparation and comes here on the quick back-up from Geelong last Friday. He finished just over a length away from The Autumn Belle there, and the rise in trip looks to suit today. Drawn for a lovely run and is hardest to beat in this. Disturbia won two in a row before a sound effort at Cranbourne last start. This is harder, but makes her own luck up front. Each way claims. Others look stretched.
Friday At Five should receive a good run behind the speed here and a rain-affected track is in her favour. If Farley can get ger out and rolling at the right time, she’s going to prove very hard to hold out late. A winning hope.
Currently, Friday At Five is a $3.50 chance in the market.