Casterton
Race 5 – Riding High
Jockey – Willie McCarthy
3800m Two Rivers Steeplechase
Veteran chaser Riding High is on the quick back-up from a flat run at Donald last weekend. The ten-year-old son of Raise The Flag missed the Warrnambool Carnival due to foot complications but has recovered well, and is ready to face the obstacles again today. Champioon jumps jockey Willie McCarthy has enjoyed a good relationship with this gelding (5:2-1-1) and can let him bowl along where comfortable around the tight-turning picturesque circuit.
A few main rivals to look at here, starting with Elvison, who boasts a remarkable record at this track (8:6-0-0). He clearly saves his best for Casterton and no surprise to see him around the mark again today. Tom Foolery was a popular winner during the Warrnambool carnival before backing up twenty-four hours later in the Grand Annual. He was beaten less than a length-and-a-half on that occasion and only needs to hold that form to go close here. Over the top? Mighty Oasis won at Ballarat two start back before a solid effort in the Brierly behind Stern Idol. He’s a capable and will prove competitive in this. Gunaluva next best.
Riding High is on a path to the Australian Steeple at Sandown in a fortnight, but anything near his best will prove very competitive in today’s chase. He can bowl along in the front half of the field and keep boxing on in the latter stages of the race. Must be considered an each way chance.
Currently, Riding High is a $12 chance in the market.
Strathalbyn
Race 3 – Shesellsseashells
Jockey – Dom Tourneur
1350m – Barrier 14
Improving filly Shesellsseashells is second-up when she crosses the border to Strathalbyn this afternoon. The three-year-old daughter of Headwater was sound first-up in a leader-dominated race, finishing within a length of the third-placed runner over 1100-metres. The quinella broke away from the rest of the field on that occasion, with the winner going close at Flemington yesterday and the runner-up smashing maiden company next time out. Jockey Dom Tourneur has drawn the outside gate in a field of fourteen and will be forced back in the early parts, riding for luck and looking to finish off in the home straight.
Expect Mr Jones to punch forward and hold a prominent position in the run, while Seven Shots and Chuckamicky could be thereabouts approaching the home turn. Tricky race. Mr Jones has placed in all three runs this campaign, the run behind Elvis two starts back reads well after that horse won at Echuca again yesterday. He’ll get every chance from up near the speed and can be in this for a long way. Strong each way claims. Gold Spy was a good debut at Murray Bridge in March before a solid effort at this track and trip three weeks ago. Fitter and one of the main hopes. Concede an each way chance to Nurys from an awkward draw, and respecting the market support for Footprints on debut. That looks the race.
Shesellsseashells will be better up in trip today but her chances have been cruelled by the barrier draw. She’ll need to be ridden quietly and find a back to follow into the race approaching the home bend. Not without a chance, but needs plenty to go right to be in a position to win.
Currently, Shesellsseashells is a $6.50 chance in the market.
Strathalbyn
Race 4 – Berry Foxie
Jockey – Ben Price
2050m – Barrier 12
Four-year-old mare Berry Foxie heads to Strathalbyn fourth-up and fit for recent racing. The daughter of Rommel has been okay at three runs this time in, ready to step beyond 2000-metres for the first time this afternoon. Jockey Ben Price leaves from a wide barrier but has a long run to the first bend to find a forward position in the run, looking to lob one or two pairs back with cover heading into the back.
Not a stack of early speed in this, perhaps Bossa Nova Lad and The Ice Cutter can punch forward from their inside gates to be prominent, while Charlesfort and Sharma Princess can roll across from wider out to put themselves into the picture. A few with claims, starting with Sharma Princess, who is right back in grade after being outclassed at Group-3 level behind The Map last start. She won two on the bounce before that effort and no surprise to see her bounce back to form in this. Strong claims. Bossa Nova Lad is racing in consistent form and draws to control the race from the inside. Will be in this for a long way. Fortis In Armis comes back from metropolitan grade last start, having won here the start prior. Up in trip but boasts a good record here (3:1-2-0). In the mix. This trio look hardest to beat, with others needing to improve.
Berry Foxie will need a pinch of luck to slot in with cover before the first bend but does get a long run in to do so. She’s suited up to this distance range and strung back-to-back wins together at this point of her preparation last time in. Each way claims.
Currently, Berry Foxie is a $10 chance in the market.