Sale
Race 1 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – Jordan Childs
1717m – Barrier 2
Talented galloper Nishino Crescent is third-up and fitter when he heads to Sale this afternoon. The gelded son of Satono Aladdin comes back slightly in trip following his runner-up effort at Sandown three weeks ago, where he was less than a length from the winner in what looked a stronger race. Jockey Jordan Childs leaves from barrier two in a small field and can let his gelding roll early, settling on or near the speed.
Slane will jump fast and look for the front here, coming back in grade and distance. He was a good winner in this class two starts back before being well-beaten at Flemington a fortnight ago. He’s better suited in this company and can be in this for a long way. Hardest to beat, and on current form, the only conceivable danger to Nishino Crescent. Think ‘N’ Fly’s best form has him in this, but we haven’t seen it for a while. Hard to make a case for the others.
Nishino Crescent faces just five rivals for today’s race, the enigmatic galloper currently sitting atop the market. He’s got too many tricks to be an odds-on favourite, but on level terms he should be winning this race. Assuming he handles the warm conditions and crosstown float trip, he’ll prove very hard to beat.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $1.75 chance in the market.