Geelong
Race 7 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1760m – Barrier 8
Six-year-old galloper Nishino Crescent looks to bounce back to form today, following a pair of recent plain efforts. The gelded son of Satono Aladdin hasn’t been able to make an impact since winning at this track and trip first-up in September, given four weeks between runs after being beaten a big margin up in distance at Ballarat last time out. Back to this trip should suit, jockey Mitch Aitken to drift back in the early parts before finishing off in the home straight.
The early speed shapes as a battle of two, with Everything Counts and Worcester to roll forward from the middle to contest the lead, while expect Morrissette to drift back with Nishino Crescent from the outset. This galloper was solid from the back at Caulfield’s Heath track when resuming a fortnight ago, reeling off slick sectionals in the concluding stages. She’ll get a soft run off the speed again here and take holding out late. Hardest to beat. Track Patcher was a strong Maiden winner at Swan Hill at his second career start, quickly to this grade this afternoon. Out slightly in trip looks a positive, each way claims. So too Sirveke, who returns today having won two of three career starts, and Worcester, who was well-beaten first-up but can improve with a easier run in transit.
Nishino Crescent races best on the fresh side and back to 1760-metres can spur improvement today. He’ll enjoy a soft run at the back of proceedings and be given every chance to finish strongly. On best efforts, must be considered an each way chance.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $19 chance in the market.
Moonee Valley
Race 1 – Southern Stock
Jockey – Jaylah Kennedy
3000m – Barrier 4
Stable newcomer Southern Stock gets winkers for the first time at Moonee Valley this evening. The gelded son of Tavistock was only fair over 3800-metres at the same track last time out, but was solid the start prior when runner-up at the Gold Coast at 3200-metres. Gun apprentice Jaylah Kennedy claims down to 58kg and can enjoy a lovely trail behind the speed from gate four, looking for clear running approaching the home bend.
Speed comes from the outside with all of Just Berrilliant, Aerospace and Eco Warrior to roll across and look for the top passing the post for the first time, setting up trails for Jenny The Beaver and Southern Stock throughout. Just Berrilliant is a last start winner at Ballarat, finishing over two lengths in front of Jenny The Beaver, who has since run well at this track. He’s won a jumpout between runs and will get every chance from up near the speed again. Hardest to beat. Eco Warrior won well on heavy ground last start after being neaten a narrow margin the start prior. Back to dry ground a query, but must be considered. So too Jenny The Beaver, though needs to find a couple of lengths to turn the tables on Just Berrilliant.
Southern Stock comes back in grade for tonight’s race and 3000-metres looks suitable at this stage. He gets in well after Kennedy’s claim and draws for a favourable run. We’ve a bit to learn about this horse but has claims in this field.
Currently, Southern Stock is a $6 chance in the market.
Moonee Valley
Race 5 – Over The Stars
Jockey – Jordan Childs
1000m – Barrier 3
Last start Caulfield winner Over The Stars stays at 1000-metres for tonight’s contest at Moonee Valley. The speedy daughter of Overshare led throughout to breakthrough at start number six, comfortably holding her suitors at bay after setting a genuine tempo from the front. Jockey Jordan Childs rides from barrier three tonight and will again roll forward in the early parts, settling on or outside the speed turning for home.
Fitzpatrick will look to roll across from the outside and challenge for the top early, while expect It’s A Yes to kick-up from barrier two and hold its spot from the outset. Good race. Rubiquity overraced at this track and trip last start, good in the closing stages when running on to claim third. He put two lengths on It’s A Yes the start prior to win his Maiden, who has won easily since. Hardest to beat. It’s A Yes clearly ties in with that form and was dominant in a weak Maiden at Ararat a fortnight ago. Will get every chance from a soft draw and has been heavly backed. Fitzpatrick is racing well but the outside draw is no spoil. His form around Harpalee is good for this.
Over The Stars has the ability to mix it in this company, her early speed an advantage around the Mooney Valley circuit. Any improvement on last start has her right in the finish again. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Over The Stars is an $8.50 chance in the market.