Bendigo
Race 8 – Governor King
Jockey – John Allen
1500m – Barrier 9
Promising galloper Governor King is third-up and fitter when he comes back to 1500-metres at Bendigo this afternoon. The gelded son of Fiorente was a good first-up winner at Ballarat, backing up with a solid effort when third at Swan Hill in a good form race. Jockey John Allen leaves from barrier nine today and can settle in the second half of the field, looking to find room and run on in the home straight.
Speed is okay with Top Honours and Epice Dieu to boot through and hold their positions from the inside, while Sasqualah and Saville Street can roll across from out wider and camp up near the speed. Sasqualah was a good effort when runner-up at Donald behind an all-the-way leader three weeks ago. That track had a wicked on-speed bias that day and a pair of runs in stronger grade prior are good enough to go close today. Untried at this trip but will get every chance from the front. At the other end of the spectrum, Acclimatise will be among the backmarkers turning for home, and looks suited up in trip at his third run this campaign. Will be strong late. Each way chances to Castle On High and Top Honours in an open affair.
Governor King will be suited over more ground but can go close today on ability alone. The two horses that finished in front of him at Swan Hill have both performed well since, and if runners can make ground by this stage of the day, he’ll be staking his claim late. Each way chance.
Currently, Governor King is a $7 chance in the market.