Pakenham
Race 6 – Nightstick
Jockey – Declan Bates
1400m – Barrier 7
Toronado gelding Nightstick strikes a competitive race on the Pakenham synthetic course tonight. The five-year-old gelding has been consistent this preparation, ,finishing in the placings at all three runs and knocking on the door of the winner’s stall. Jockey Declan Bates leaves from barrier seven of eight and can be positive tonight, with a long run to the turn from the 1400-metre chute.
There doesn’t appear to be blistering early speed here, with Statesmanship the obvious leader from gate three. He won his maiden from on-speed last start, having gone close with the same tactics the start prior. He should be able to punch through and hold the rail and keep kicking late. An each way chance. De La Rocha had no luck at Moe last Sunday and is on the quick back-up here. He’s drawn the inside and can sit handier in a race of steadier tempo. If the breaks come at the right time, he’s one of the main winning hopes. Russian Meteor was an eye-catching win at this track and trip on debut, making many lengths from the rear to win strongly. He has the race run to suit that day and will be hoping the leaders get along in this. If they do, he’s right in the mix. General Knowledge comes back in grade for this, while Distorted Mission was sound behind Girl two starts back. Both will get back but cannot be overlooked. Even race.
Nightstick has the opportunity to roll forward from the outset and find a position outside the lead in a race that lacks early dash. The horse is fit and if Bates can get across without burning too much fuel, he’ll have a tactical advantage on those looking to run on late. A winning chance in a wide open race.
Currently, Nightstick is an $8.50 chance in the market.
Pakenham
Race 7 – Dancethenightaway
Jockey – Declan Bates
2200m – Barrier 3
Last start winner Dancethenightaway rises in class and distance as she looks to end the synthetic season in style at Pakenham tonight. The four-year-old daughter of Highland Reel was tough as teak at Ballarat last start, ridden forward and holding off all challengers in a small field to prevail over 2100-metres. Tactics tonight will be similar, jockey Declan Bates has drawn well and can be up on speed heading into the first bend.
Bates will have company early doors, with Havisham and Dick Whittington drawn either side of Dancethenightaway and looking to roll forward from the start. One of this trio will likely relent and take a sit behind the leading pair, making the first few furlongs of this an interesting watch. Dick Whittington has had three goes at this track and trip, winning twice and placing the other. His most impressive win was last start where he sat just off the leaders before making a move at the 800-metre mark, taking over in the straight and bolting in. If he’s allowed to get rolling on his own again he’ll take catching in the straight. Havisham comes through a strong race at The Valley where he was half-a-length away from the winner, Superstock. He finished a length in front of Duke Of Hastings on that occasion – that horse won in stronger grade at Caulfield last Saturday. That’s good form for this, and he’s the one to beat tonight. Concede each way chances to Never Again and Grenoble in a good race.
Dancethenightaway will need to improve on her win last start to mix it in this company. That said, she showed a terrific will to win when challenged and if she shows the same fight tonight, can collect a cheque for connections. Go each way.
Currently, Dancethenightaway is a $17 chance in the market.