Ballarat (poly)
Race 2 – McKinsey
Jockey – Jack Hill
1400m – Barrier 3
Three-year-old gelding McKinsey returns to the races today, four weeks after failing to beat a runner home on debut. The son of Manhattan Rain has been back to the trials since, putting in an improved effort when second behind what looks to be a smart one at Werribee. Jack Hill jumps from gate three and can land somewhere near the speed with blinkers going on today. Linda Meech will go forward on Tosen Snowfall from a middle draw while Muriel’s Wedding can hold the lead from gate one. Tosen Snowfall comes through a strong maiden at Sandown where she finished just over a length behind subsequent Warrnambool winner World Action. That’s the best form reference for this and she’ll prove hard to beat. Parvati Party has been good at both runs this preparation, finishing runner-up last time when she looked to have all the favours. The Matty Williams galloper has drawn awkwardly here and, despite looking close to a win, will need a good slice of luck to find a position in the run. Gelata was in the market on debut but was given no hope from the back in a leader dominated race. She could improve sharply here. McKinsey will be better for his first look at raceday and the stable will be encouraged by his performance at the trials. The synthetic track is a query but if he can step cleanly and put himself in the race early, he’s a genuine top four chance.
Currently, McKinsey is an $11 chance in the market.
Cranbourne
Race 6 – Wuddzz
Jockey – Ben Allen
2600m – Barrier 5
Last start winner Wuddzz stays in benchmark-70 grade tonight, stepping out to 2600-metres for the first time in his career. The gelded son of Complacent relished the heavy going at Warrnambool three weeks ago when he comfortably put away a good field, having plenty more in the locker when he crossed the line. Jockey Ben Allen sticks with him and will again find a position in the second half of the field, working into the race from the 600-metre mark. Early speed looks muddling, with Fine Weather likely to come across from a wide draw and Hint Of Stars to hold its position from gate three. Country’s Light was a good winner at this track last time out over 2500-metres, backing up a strong performance behind the in-form Jaykayanne the start prior. He’s racing in terrific heart and should find a nice spot midfield in the running line. Must be considered a winning hope. Themoonlitegambler was runner-up behind Country’s Light and hits this race fourth-up and hard fit. He’s a definite each way chance. Wuddzz couldn’t have been more impressive in victory last start and following recent rain, gets conditions to suit tonight. Allen can get a cart into the race when the speed goes on and providing there has been a fair tempo, will be very hard to hold out late. He goes on top here.
Currently, Wuddzz is a $2.70 chance in the market.