The Henry Dwyer Racing stable has three runners today in PRESS START, PACKER’S BOND and ART DEALER running at Ballarat.
Ballarat – Good (4)
Ballarat has come up a Good 4 on race morning and after 4mm of rain in the past 24 hours it should be a magnificent surface for racing. With the rail out 8m it could be some advantage to be on speed but they have a strong northwesterly wind in the forecast that could mean cover becomes important. There are showers in the forecast but later in the day so expect it to remain a Good 4 throughout.
Race 3 (2.35pm) Cervus Equipment Maiden Plate
No.10 PRESS START – Michael Dee (Barrier 4)
PRESS START heads to Ballarat today where she will tackle a 2000m Maiden. She has drawn gate four and Michael Dee will take the ride.
PRESS START should be at peak fitness now after having four runs back since joining the stable. She gets a lovely run in transit from gate four which will certainly aid her chances. She had her chance when well beaten at Casterton last time out but she does seem to be looking for the extra trip, so the step to 2000m is ideal. That was a pretty fast-run race at Casterton last start so it should really bring her on fitness wise.
Today will be a good test to see if she can get the distance, with all signs suggesting the distance will suit. She will settle midfield and should be running on late, with some chance to be thereabouts for the placings with some luck in running.
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $17 (as at 8am)
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Race 4 (3.15pm) Global Turf BM64 Handicap
No.9 PACKER’S BOND – John Allen (Barrier 4)
PACKER’S BOND also heads to Ballarat today where he will have his first start for the stable in a 1600m BM64. He has drawn gate four and John Allen will ride.
PACKER’S BOND has been freshened up since his last start fourth at Wagga in an Open Handicap. He has the blinkers off and a tongue tie added at his first go for the stable. Since winning two of his first three starts this gelding’s form has tapered off a touch. He got too far back in a slowly run race last time out so certainly happy to be forgiving of that. His best is good enough to figure somewhere in the finish but he does need to improve on his past couple.
WORSFOLD coming out now changes things with this race, however we don’t have huge expectations going into today, and while fitness won’t be an issue, we are just looking to see where he is at.
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $4.60 (as at 8am)
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Race 8 (5.30pm) Hygain Winner’s Choice BM64 Handicap
No.9 ART DEALER – Jye McNeil (Barrier 6)
ART DEALER is our third runner at Ballarat today where he will contest a 1200m BM64. He has drawn gate six and Jye McNeil will ride.
ART DEALER won a recent 990m Cranbourne trial in strong fashion. He got back to last but showed a very nice turn of foot under a little riding late. He has come back as well as ever this campaign which is a good sign heading into his third campaign. He will likely drift back from a middle draw and this is certainly a tough assignment for him fresh but he’s still got upside and provided horses can make ground then he will be strong late.
A good starting point today with a view to being more of a betting proposition next start.
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $12 (as at 8am)