Murtoa
Race 8 – Spylark
Jockey – Melissa Julius
1600m – Barrier 5
Lightly-raced six-year-old Spylark is six weeks between runs when second-up at Murtoa this afternoon. The daughter of Niagara was excellent when runner-up fresh at Horsham over 1400-metres, beaten a narrow margin when giving significant weight to the eventual winner. Out to a mile here suits, jockey Melissa Julius able to lob midfield or better with cover before making her run around the tight Wimmera circuit.
Speed comes from the middle of the line, with Eskimo and Cruz Missile to go fast and look to control the race from the outset, while expect Lulu Darling and Play On Words to kick up from low draws and be thereabouts heading into the back. Lulu Darling drops in grade for this following a sound effort at Flemington last start. Gets her first look at 1600-metres today, and draws for all the favours near the speed. One of the main chances. Hangyourhat is third-up following a long spell, improving sharply last start when slowly away and held up late at Swan Hill. Can’t afford to give a big start here, but each way claims if he steps cleanly. Cruz Missile was brave when beaten in a photo at Benalla last Friday, given no peace in the lead but battling on gamely. That was on a true leader’s track but he did show fight. Can be in this for a long way. So too Eskimo, who was only outbobbed by an in-form galloper at Tatura. Form ties in with Cruz Missile. Good race, this.
Spylark has drawn for a lovely run tucked in behind the speed, just needing luck to get out and chasing at the right time. Any rain will enhance her chances, but expecting the track to retain some juice throughout the day. She has the class to beat these.
Currently, Spylark is a $7 chance in the market.