Geelong
Race 9 – George The Giant
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1525m – Barrier 9
Sports Edition gelding George The Giant drops slightly in class for today’s contest on soft ground at Geelong. The four-year-old tired from the lead at Ballarat last start after overdoing things throughout and the stable will be hoping he settles better in the run today. Jockey Mitch Aitken can roll forward from an outside gate and find a position outside the speed in the long run to the turn from the 1500-metre chute. Powerful Eagle will jump quickly from a middle draw while Jet De Lune will kick-up from barrier three, meaning Aitken may need to do a little work to cross early on. Powerful Eagle comes through a very strong form race and was good on-speed. If he runs anywhere near that performance he’ll prove exceptionally hard to beat. Jet De Lune is another who drops in class today and gets the blinkers back on. Drawn well and not without a chance. The Genius is first-up after winning his only start in his first preparation. Has been jumping out well but will need to have improved in the paddock. George The Giant will be better suited out over more ground with a more suitable tempo in running. If he can find the front without spending too much energy he can keep kicking in the straight and run into some prizemoney, but waiting until next time out to back him.
Currently, George The Giant is a $35 chance in the market.
Cranbourne
Race 6 – Brungle Raider
Jockey – Luke Nolen
2600m – Barrier 6
Last start demolition winner Brungle Raider stays in benchmark-64 grade as the stable make a rare night appearance at Cranbourne. Henry Dwyer’s five-year-old gelding smacked his rivals in the wet at Stawell three weeks ago, sitting up on speed and racing away in the home straight, eased down to win by a considerable margin. Jockey Luke Nolen will roll forward again tonight, looking for a spot outside or just off the speed before putting the foot down before the home bend. Equine Philosopher and Figo The Great will both look for the lead, ensuring there will be good early speed in the race and allowing Nolen to decide whether to push on or tuck in behind the pair. A few chances in this, headed by Omeo who has just his fourth race start tonight. The Mick Kent runner was good winning his debut two starts back then made some ground in a leader-dominated race at Sandown last time out. If the leaders overdo things he will be the one to hold out. Sound Of Cannons won well first-up before another solid showing in town last start. Comes in well after a claim and must be considered a chance. Twin Spinner won in lesser grade last start and has had a hurdle trial between runs. That’s a good recipe and he’s in with an each way chance. Figo The Great can keep kicking from the front and can hang on for a place. Brungle Raider couldn’t have been more impressive winning last time out and only needs to run up to that performance to be right in this. Maps to get a nice run and if he can settle in the run he is the one to beat.
Currently, Brungle Raider is a $3.30 chance in the market.