Caulfield Heath
Race 1 – Over The Stars
Jockey – Beau Mertens
1000m – Barrier 7
Two-year-old debutant Over The Stars kicks off her racing career on the Heath track at Caulfield this afternoon. The daughter of Overshare has jumped out soundly on the grass at Ararat and Ballarat in readiness for today, showing good early speed on both occasions when not asked to extend late. Beau Mertens rides from gate seven and can let his filly settle where comfortable in the run to the bend.
Tricky speed map with unraced and inexperienced horses, but expect to see Mrs Archibald punch forward from the start, while Rich Dottie and Harpalee can use the inside to hold prominent spots in the run. Can make a case for most of these. Of the raced, Grinzinger Love was solid on debut behind Bold Bastille before another good effort in Adelaide when not afforded much luck. She’ll be hoping the leaders go hard and she can pounce on them late. Mrs Archibald led and fought off all-comers until being nabbed by a swooper in the last stride at Cranbourne. She strips fitter and can again give a sight. Rich Dottie and Hallowin have jumped out well enough to suggest they have ability, No surprise to see them show up on debut.
Over The Stars has shown promise in her jumpouts and gets first use of a lovely surface today. She’s drawn a little awkwardly and where she lands from the start will be key to her chances late. With a race in a fortnight firmly front of mind, she’ll improve off whatever she does this afternoon. Looking for a nice debut.
Currently, Over The Stars is a $34 chance in the market.
Caulfield Heath
Race 8 – Friday At Five
Jockey – Jaylah Kennedy
1800m – Barrier 4
Five-year-old mare Friday At Five comes back to 1800-metres when returns to the Heath track at Caulfield this afternoon. The daughter of Zoustar was solid from the front over 2000-metres at Ballarat a fortnight ago, and sound at this track and trip the start prior when running into a handy one. Jockey Jaylah Kennedy claims down to 57kg and can be positive from an ideal draw early, looking to land on or outside the speed from the outset.
Speed looks okay with Brooklyn Boss to punch through from the inside to hold a forward position, while Porter and Arizona Dreaming won’t be far away when runners head along the back. Bavicia won;t be part of the early speed battle but can look to settle midfield from a good gate today. She comes back in grade after a sound effort at Flemington three weeks ago, only just missing at this track and trip the start prior. Hardest to beat. Tolpuddle beat Bavicia in that race here before an okay effort in Saturday grade when out to 2000-metres. Back in trip looks ideal, must be considered. Concede each way chances to Artzino, who’s fitter third-up, and Rasputina at a price.
Friday At Five draws to find a lovely spot in the run and gets in well after Jaylah’s claim. She can be right in the thick of things turning for home, how she handles a dry track the query. Each way claims.
Currently, Friday At Five is a $21 chance in the market.