Ballarat
Race 2 – World’s My Oyster
Jockey – Beau Mertens
1100m – Barrier 10
Three-year-old filly World’s My Oyster makes her racetrack debut on home soil this afternoon. The daughter of Charge Forward has jumped out twice this preparation, sound on both occasions without being pushed, and gets a lovely surface for her introduction to racing today. Jockey Beau Mertens leaves from an outside gate and can let his filly settle where comfortable, the chute start giving every runner their chance around the spacious Ballarat circuit.
Many first-starters engaged here making for a difficult speed map, though expect Sharing Moments and Amapola to roll forward on the strength of their career starts to date, while Sirleaf can enjoy a soft trail throughout from the inside alley. This galloper was strong through the line in a recent Horsham jumpout under little riding and has been the subject of good market support. Won’t want to get too far back on the inside but has shown enough to suggest he’ll be running on late. One of the main chances. Amapola was runner-up here on debut over 1200-metres in October, the winner going on to be competitive in Stakes company. She had two more starts out in trip before finding the paddock and has jumped out well for her return today. Each way claims. So too Sharing Moments, who will be better for her debut placing three weeks ago, and Grand Intention, who has shown some ability at the jumpouts. Tricky race.
World’s My Oyster will benefit from the raceday experience today, striking a competitive event to kick-off her career. We’ve seen enough to suggest she can be competitive here, knowing she will improve on whatever the result this afternoon.
Currently, World’s My Oyster is a $61 chance in the market.
Ballarat
Race 4 – Deep Stream
Jockey – Jack Hill
2000m – Barrier 11
Five-year-old galloper Deep Stream gets out to 2000-metres third-up on his home track this afternoon. The gelded son of Ghibellines has been solid at both runs this preparation, battling on gamely with thing stacked against him at Hamilton and Horsham. He’s again on the wrong end of the barrier draw today, Jack Hill to leave from gate eleven in a field of thirteen, able to find cover today before looking to finsh off in the home straight.
Speed s drawn towards the outside with Dollar Bucks and Geemes to roll forward from the outset, while expect Grinzinger Glory and Pensatore to hold their positions from nearer the inside. No Rumours draws for the soft trail behind the speed, hitting this third-up on the back of two good showings this campaign. He made good late ground at Horsham last start, signalling a bigger track will be of benefit today. One of the main dangers. Think Like Paddy was okay first-up in town and quickly steps out to this distance today. Each way claims. So too Geemes, who is fitter for three career runs, and Wondering Spirit, who was a beaten favourite last start and gets blinkers applied today.
Deep Stream will be ridden quieter today and look to run on late in the home straight. Both efforts this campaign have been very good, he only needs a similar output to be going close here. Each way claims.
Currently, Deep Stream is a $14 chance in the market.
Moe
Race 6 – Off The Deep End
Jockey – Daniel Moor
1600m – Barrier 1
Five-year-old mare Off The Deep End is four weeks between runs when she heads to Moe this afternoon. The daughter of Deep Field has gone back and made little impact in all three starts this preparation from poor draws, but is ready to improve with fitness on her side today. Jockey Daniel Moor leaves from the inside and can be positive from the outset, looking to land in front or just behind the lead throughout.
Speed is okay with Aeecee Supreme to roll forward from towards the outside, while expect Diamanda, Acey Deucy and Piccolo Fiore to be pushed along in the early stages. Diamanda has been racing well of late, with two wins and a second from her past three starts. She comes back in grade today and will be right there on straightening. Hardest to beat. Aeecee Supreme was solid behind Itsukushima two starts back, that runner has since been runner-up in stronger company. Was sound again last start and no surprise to see her around the mark again today. Concede each way chances to Ready Tiger and Piccolo Fiore, in a race that thins out quickly.
Off The Deep End can put herself in the race early on today, drawn to get every chance from the inside alley. She has the speed to hold her position and improvement is expected this time out. Each way claims.
Currently, Off The Deep End is a $15 chance in the market.