Cranbourne
Race 7 – Budd Fox
Jockey – Tayla Childs
2580m – Barrier 7
Veteran galloper Budd Fox is first-up at Cranbourne tonight, after missing a run at the ill-fated Warrnambool meeting during the week. The eight-year-old son of Foxwedge has had a pair of steeple trials leading in, performing well in both and comes here fitter for those efforts. Apprentice jock Tayla Childs rides from gate seven and can settle leaders’ back in the early stages, in a race where few will roll forward.
Speed comes from the middle with Think Rich the likely leader, with Casrtofrancaru and Cotton Eye Joe to come across from wider out. Cours Vite was disappointing two starts back at The Valley but improved sharply at Bendigo a fortnight ago when out to 2200-metres. Another rise in distance looks to suit, no surprise to see him in the finish tonight. The Yachtsman finished strongly at Benalla last start and is another who will enjoy the step-up in distance here. Drawn for the softest of runs from the inside, he’ll be rattling home late. Concede each way chances to Think Rich and Mac Kalhoun.
Budd Fox’s best efforts would win a race like this, whether he’s still willing to bring that effort on the flat will be key to his chances. He has bigger fish to fry over the obstacles, but is an each way chance in this.
Currently, Budd Fox is a $17 chance in the market.
Cranbourne
Race 7 – Brungle Bertie
Jockey – Caitlin Hollowood
2580m- Barrier 4
Grand National Steeplechase winner Brungle Bertie races at Cranbourne tonight, after skipping a run at Warrnambool owing to the unsuitable surface. The gelded son of Canford Cliffs was sound first-up at Ararat over 2200-metres, and will enjoy the extra distance on offer this evening. Apprentice hoop Caitlin Hollowood rides from gate four and will find a position midfield or better when runners find their positions.
Speed comes from the middle with Think Rich the likely leader, with Casrtofrancaru and Cotton Eye Joe to roll across from wider out. Cours Vite was disappointing two starts back at The Valley but improved sharply at Bendigo a fortnight ago when out to 2200-metres. Another rise in distance looks to suit, no surprise to see him in the finish tonight. The Yachtsman finished strongly at Benalla last start and is another who will enjoy the step-up in distance here. Drawn for the softest of runs from the inside, he’ll be rattling home late. Concede each way chances to Think Rich and Mac Kalhoun.
Brungle Bertie is on a Grand Annual path and will use tonight as a good fitness builder for that race. He’ll travel strongly throughout but may find a couple with a sharper turn of foot when they quicken.
Currently, Brungle Bertie is a $19 chance in the market.