Cranbourne
Race 3 – Pressure Cooker
Jockey – Ben Allen
2080m – Barrier 8
Improving galloper Pressure Cooker gets out to 2000-metres third-up at Cranbourne tonight. The gelded son of Adelaide was sound when fresh at Geelong then had no hope against a savage bias at Warrnambool three weeks ago over 1700-metres. Up in trip suits, jockey Ben Allen can be positive early from barrier eight and look to land on or just behind the speed in the early parts of the race.
A few will look to go forward here, with Disco Prince and Rough Edges to use their inside draws to find prominent positions, while Linas Reel and Zeusmas can work across from out wider and settle handy passing the post for the first time. Two realistic dangers in this, as reflected by the market, in Disco Prince and Linas Reel, who come through the same race at Sale three weeks ago. The former has been runner-up in two of three career starts and races like 2000-metres and beyond is what he’s looking for. Had every chance when his run peaked in the home straight last time out, but is fitter for that and must be considered in this. Linas Reel followed the winner into the home straight but was one-paced to the line. Again, extra trip suits and will keep whacking away late. Outspeed with place claims.
Pressure Cooker will benefit from settling closer to the speed and should enjoy a lovely trail in the running line. Like his main rivals, he’s looking for this trip now and is fitter for two runs this preparation. Look for an improved showing, strong each way claims.
Currently, Pressure Cooker is a $10 chance in the market.
Cranbourne
Race 4 – Peaceful Protest
Jockey – Jamie Mott
2600m – Barrier 6
Improving galloper Peaceful Protest looks to go one better than his narrow defeat at Bendigo a month ago. The gelded son of Raise The Flag has been to the jumps trials since and preformed well, and comes here fit for three race starts this preparation. Jockey Jamie Mott leaves from the centre of the line and can roll forward in the early parts, looking to land on or just behind the speed passing the winning post for the first time.
Gauthier can use the inside to hold a forward position throughout, while Star Of Tango and Topspin can settle handy in the run from wider out. Holly’s Star draws for a soft trail in gate three and can enjoy a charmed run in transit. She’s improved with each career run and comes here fourth-up and at peak fitness. Hardest to beat. Benbulben was three-and-a-half lengths astern of Holly’s Star last start and improves third-up today. Expect him to close the gap on that runner. These two look the main dangers, perhaps Gauthier and Topspin next best in a skinny race.
Peaceful Protest did everything but win last time at the races, picking up late when he looked done and just missing on the line. He finished a space in front of the third-placed runner, who has since come out and won easily in this grade (beating Gauthier). Anything close to his last start effort sees him hards to beat tonight.
Currently, Peaceful Protest is a $3.40 chance in the market.