Geelong
Race 6 – Salsa Fellow
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1200m – Barrier 5
Talented galloper Salsa Fellow gets back out to 1200-metres on rain-affected ground at Geelong today. The gelded son of Blue Point was solid when fresh at Flemington on Stakes Day, beaten four lengths in stronger company over the 1000-metre dash off a seven-week let-up. The extra furlong today suits, jockey Mitch Aitken to find cover from gate five in the early parts before running on in the home straight.
Scratchings have taken some of the speed out, leaving High Tor as the likely leader from barrier three, while expect Stay Humble and Brazen Bliss to roll across from the outside to settle forward in the run. High Tor was a sound debut winner at Mornington last start, coming here five weeks between runs. She’ll get every chance from the front and could take some catching. Hardest to beat. Each way chances to Stay Humble, who won well two starts back, and Male Model, who can bounce back after doing plenty wrong at Ballarat last time out. Cash Converter next best.
Salsa Fellow faces a weakened field after some key scratchings and was runner-up on soft ground at Seymour in September. He should enjoy a soft trail throughout and appreciate the steadier tempo up in trip. He brings good form into this, strong claims.
Currently, Salsa Fellow is a $4 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 8 – Off The Deep End
Jockey – Alysha Warren
1500m – Barrier 9
Resuming galloper Off The Deep End kicks off her preparation over 1500-metres at Geelong this afternoon. The five-year-old daughter of Deep Field has had an extended period away from the track, and with just one trial to her name this time in will take plenty of benefit from the outing today. Apprentice hoop Alysha Warren leaves from gate nine and will drift back in the early stages, allowing her mare to find her feet before letting her run on in the home straight.
The battle for the front looks between All Hands in the middle and Gallant Prince drawn towards the inside, while expect The Jester’s Son and Maxxi Bon to receive lovely trails behind the speed. The Jester’s Son box-seated behind Gallant Prince off a moderate speed last start, Gallant Son having the better of that battle over 1400-metres. Up slightly in trip and with a more genuine tempo, The Jester’s Son can turn the tables here. Both with claims. Dreams Come True was good at her only Australian start in June, running on from the back when not beaten far at Bendigo. She’ll get back again and be hitting the line late. Each way chance. So too All Hands, who was beaten a narrow margin in a similar contest last time out.
Off The Deep End will improve on whatever she does today, effectively using this as a fitness-builder for later in her preparation. We’ll find out how she handles wet ground today with an eye to autumn/winter. Just a watch.
Currently, Off The Deep End is a $23 chance in the market.