Warracknabeal
Race 1 – Turfaction
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1000m – Barrier 4
Speedy galloper Turfaction is second-up and fitter when he heads to Warracknabeal today. The three-year-old son of Turffontein was solid on debut at Swan Hill a month ago, jumping fast and pestered in the lead when third, finishing half-a-length in front of subsequent winner Enuffon. Jockey Mitch Aitken rides from barrier four in a small field, able to let his gelding roll in the early parts and settle where comfortable.
Hell’s Empire will go with Turfaction from the start, while Boulder Jack and Pockets’n’puddles can take a sit behind this pair. King Sirius is likely to stalk the field into the home straight and make his claim then. He was slowly away on debut in Novemeber and put away immediately to spell, resuming here on the back of a Flemington jumpout win. Looks the main danger. Pockets’n’puddles the other hope, also resuming after winning a jumpout. Others need to improve to challenge.
Turfaction can land near the front again today, not wanting to engage in a mad speed battle from the outset and blow out late. He has the ability to sweep aside a field like this, how he handles the wet ground remains to be seen. No surprise to see him go close today.
Currently, Turfaction is a $2.15 chance in the market.
Warracknabeal
Race 4 – King Alla
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1200m – Barrier 1
Three-year-old debutant King Alla kicks off his racing career over 1200-metres at Warracknabeal this afternoon. The gelded son of Crackerjack King has had a few jumpouts leading into today, giving every indication he wants far more ground than what is on offer today. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from the inside alley and can let his gelding settle where comfortable, ideally one or two pairs back with cover.
Runway Ruler will go fast from a soft draw and look to lead throughout, while Serin and Neferure won’t be far away in turning for home. Runway Ruler improved second-up last start when runner-up, finishing in front of subsequent winner Wichitall at Donald three weeks ago. Back in trip here not ideal with the venue change, but can be in this for a long way. Neferure was a beaten favourite on the poly last time out, having finished around the smart Craig at Bendigo the start prior. Expect a better effort back on turf today. These look the main dangers, conceding an each way chance to Norwegian Spirit, who looks best of the rest.
King Alla finds a shallow race today and should have a nice experience on a suitable surface. He’ll find a couple too sharp at the trip, but no surprise to see him finish in the front half of this field. Each way claims.
Currently, King Alla is a $9.50 chance in the market.