Flemington
Race 4 – Salsa Fellow
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1000m – Barrier 7
Talented sprinter Salsa Fellow is seven weeks between runs when he tackles the Flemington Straight this afternoon. The gelded son of Blue Point was a good winner over this trip at Ballarat in August, before a sound effort when runner-up at Seymour out to 12000-metres last time out. Winkers go on for the first time today, jockey Mitch Aitken able to find cover midfield from an ideal draw here, looking to track into the race when the sprint goes on.
The speed will be on from the outset in this, with Overfull, Brandjam and Gruzamba to go fast from towards the outside fence, while expect Dublin Down, Singing Star and Manolo Bling to be thereabout from nearer the inside. Big field, many chances. Damehood was as impressive as any in this field last start, winning with plenty in hand on debut at Ballarat. She’ll get a soft trail throughout and be hitting the line late. One of the leading contenders. Aldofito boasts a win over some key rivals at Sandown two starts back, before a plain effort in heavy going in the Gothic Stakes. Looks suited back on top of the ground here, no surprise to see him bounce back. Each way chances to Versaille, who has won both jumpouts this time in following her debut victory in June, and Grazumba, who led and won by a space first tine at the races, but will need to withstand a hotter tempo today. Others with claims in a dartboard job.
Salsa Fellow galloped sharply in winkers on the grass at Ballarat last week in preparation for today, and draws for a lovely trail behind the speed. If Mitch can follow the right horses into the race, he’ll have something to offer in the latter stages, and no surprise to see him thereabouts in what shapes as a busy finish. Top six hope.
Currently, Salsa Fellow is a $67 chance in the market.