Hamilton
Race 1 – Irish Butterfly
Jockey – Willie McCarthy
3200m Hurdle – Barrier 6
Eight-year-old gelding Irish Butterfly looks to break his maiden on the jumping scene at Hamilton today. The son of O’Reilly was very good when runner-up to Elementary two starts back, that jumper going on to win again at Pakenham next start, before a sound effort at Warrnambool on a tricky surface a month ago. Willie McCarthy sticks on today and can let his galloper bowl along in front, giving the small field something to follow throughout.
Moderate event, with only six rivals to consider. Buffalo Bill is having his twenty-seventh go at breaking through over the hurdles, can safely rule a line through him. Senza Dubbio and Outrival have been only just on the flat of late, sharp improvement is required by both to be competitive today. That leaves Davelliom, Vadarchie and Prismatic. Davelliom’s last three runs have been plain, but the effort prior at Ballarat over the hurdles was solid for a race like this. He finished two lengths in front of Gambu on that occasion, that runner beating Irish Butterfly home by half-a-length at Warrnambool. Chance on best efforts. Vadarchie’s flat form was sound leading into a disappointing effort at Warrnambool. Inclined to forgive any flops on that surface, expect a better showing today. Prismatic has been good in strong flat races and will relish getting his toe in the ground. Only needs to jump cleanly to find himself right in the mix today.
Irish Butterfly has been a beaten favourite in two career jumps starts, performing well on both occasions and clearly brings the strongest jumping form into today’s race. He only needs to hold his form to be right in the finish. Strong claims.
Currently, Irish Butterfly is a $2.40 chance in the market.
Hamilton
Race 7 – Ms Hubble
Jockey – Neil Farley
1200m – Barrier 2
Two-year-old filly Ms Hubble gets blinkers on for her second start at Hamilton this afternoon. The daughter of Deep Field was okay on debut at Donald three weeks ago, taking good improvement from the run and presenting fitter for today’s race. Jockey Neil Farley leaves from barrier two and can be positive early,. looking to lob outside or just behind the speed rounding the bend.
Speed is drawn inside with The Mariner to go fast and hold the front, while Crepescule and Beurre Rouge can look to roll forward from middle draws, setting up a nice trail for Ms Hubble if she can begin cleanly. Swanny Dee was a good closing effort at Warrnambool first-up from a long way back, clearly against the pattern of the day. He ran into Southport Tycoon at his only other race start in August last year, beaten five lengths on that occasion. Hardest to beat, but doesn’t want to give another big start. Bus Stop Betty wasn’t given much hope from the back when fresh at Donald. Expect improvement from her if ridden closer. Crepescule was a nice jumpout winner leading into her debut today. She’ll sit up near the speed and get every chance to run well. Beurre Rouge next best in what looks a good maiden event.
Ms Hubble will benefit from the headgear going on today and should receive a lovely run throughout the race. She’s fitter for her first-up effort and will likely corner in front of some key chances in this. Each way claims.
Currently, Ms Hubble is a $13 chance in the market.