Geelong
Race 1 – Chilli Tycoon
Jockey – Beau Mertens
1112m – Barrier 7
Resuming galloper Chilli Tycoon kicks off her preparation at Geelong this afternoon. The three-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon showed ability in two starts during her first campaign, sound on debut before an improved effort second-up, sent to the paddock on the back of that run. Jockey Beau Mertens draws an outside gate here and won’t dig his filly early, finding cover in the second half of the field and looking to hit the line late.
First-starter Sioux Spirit has shown good speed in her jumpouts and expect her to bounce and go straight to the lead early on, while Switchblade and The Carillo can boot up and make her work heading into the bend. Sioux Spirit could hardly have been more impressive leading into her debut today, winning her past two jumpouts, with subsequent winners behind her. If she handles the occasion and jumps to the lead, she’s the one to beat. Very short in the market though. The Carillo has found just one better at all three starts this preparation and has a fitness edge on most of his rivals here. No surprise to see him take the fight right up to the favourite. Our Mooney Mooney is another who has shown something at the jumpouts, needs to jump well from the inside and hold her position to be any chance.
Chilli Tycoon was only just at a recent Ballarat jumpout but her hitout prior at Geelong was encouraging. She’ll get a soft run back in the field today and look to finish off, with improvement to come second and third-up.
Currently, Chilli Tycoon is a $21 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 1 – Shesellsseashells
Jockey – Declan Bates
1112m – Barrier 2
Three-year-old filly Shesellsseashells resumes at Geelong today, following a short spell after two runs in her initial preparation. The daughter of Headwater was good at this track on debut before being run off her legs second-up at Colac behind a speedy type, and has jumped out fairly in readiness for today. Jockey Declan Bates rides from an inside draw and can look to hold his position early, able to find the backs of the leaders before hitting the turn.
First-starter Sioux Spirit has shown good speed in her jumpouts and expect her to bounce and go straight to the lead early on, while Switchblade and The Carillo can boot up and make her work heading into the bend. Sioux Spirit could hardly have been more impressive leading into her debut today, winning her past two jumpouts, with subsequent winners behind her. If she handles the occasion and jumps to the lead, she’s the one to beat. Very short in the market though. The Carillo has found just one better at all three starts this preparation and has a fitness edge on most of his rivals here. No surprise to see him take the fight right up to the favourite. Our Mooney Mooney is another who has shown something at the jumpouts, needs to jump well from the inside and hold her position to be any chance.
Shesellsseashells will appreciate the overnight rain and gets first use of a lovely soft surface today. She draws for a nice run, providing she steps cleanly and can go with them in the early parts. She’ll improve on whatever she does today, but no surprise to see her finish in the first half of the field.
Currently, Shesellsseashells is a $26 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 5 – Lupine
Jockey – John Allen
2218m – Barrier 3
Improving galloper Lupine gets to 2200-metres for the first time when he heads to Geelong this afternoon. The gelded son of Tivaci won his maiden two starts back before a solid effort at Albury when third, crossing the line with subsequent winner Zabellsareringing. Jockey John Allen jumps back on today and can hold a forward position early, looking to find the leaders’ back in the early parts before challenging in the back end of the race.
Running On Time and Amphactor can hold their positions early from inside draws, with High Torque and Womanizer to come across from out wider and find the top from the outset. Verifier will drift back from the start and enjoy a soft run near the tail, winding up late to stake his claim. He was good at Caulfield in stronger company last start and out to this distance shouldn’t pull him up. Hard to hold out late. Amphactor had the better of Running On Time when they met at the Heath track six weeks ago, both have run well since. Not much between them. High Torque struck winning form twice in easier grade before another solid showing at his latest. He could give some cheek from the front. Others stretched.
Lupine has progressed well this campaign and the bar has been raised again today. He’s shown good staying ability, perhaps just getting lost when left alone in front a long way from home last start. If Allen can lob onto the back of the frontrunners early here, he can give this a shake.
Currently, Lupine is a $13 chance in the market.