Ballarat Synthetic
Race 5 – Imapagethree Girl
Jockey – Jarrod Fry
1600m – Barrier 1
Last start winner Imapagethree Girl has her first look at the Synthetic on raceday at Ballarat this afternoon. The four-year-old daughter of Press Statement led throughout to post a strong win at Swan Hill over 1300-metres three weeks ago, and the extra 100-metres today doesn’t look to pose an issue for the talented galloper. Jockey Jarrod Fry sticks on and can be positive from the inside alley, looking to hold a forward position heading into the home bend.
Take The Prize has drawn next door in barrier two and knows only one way, sure to look for the top in the early stages, while Favanna and Rosa Juliet map for soft trails behind the speed. Competitive race. Rosa Juliet was sent out an odds-on favourite here a fortnight ago and duly broke her maiden first-up from a spell. She faced the breeze throughout on that occasion and should enjoy a softer run today. Up in grade but one of the main chances. On the flip side, Le Derriere comes back from sound efforts in stronger company at Sale and Mornington. First go on this surface, but draws for a nice run and must be considered. Each way chances to Favanna and Take The Prize.
Imapagethree Girl can use the inside barrier to her advantage here and enjoy an ideal run throughout. This doesn’t look as strong a race as her last start victory, and providing she’s happy on this surface, she can go back-to-back this afternoon.
Currently, Imapagethree Girl is a $4.20 chance in the market.
Ballarat
Race 6 – Riding High
Jockey – Jessica Booth
2200m – Barrier 8
Stable veteran Riding High returns to the flat today, four weeks after his excellent run in the Australian Steeplechase at Sandown. The ten-year-old gelding was narrowly beaten on that occasion and will use today as a fitness builder, with an eye towards getting back over the jumps at Pakenham in three weeks. Apprentice hoop Jess Booth leaves from towards the outside and can let her galloper roll early, settling where comfortable from the 2200-metre start.
Speed looks okay early with Iceberry to roll across from the extreme outside and find a forward position in the run, while all of Chevalier Du Fau, Gunnafly and Cable Dancer can boot through and hold their spots from softer draws. Even race. Chevalier Du Fau comes back in grade from the Swan Hill Cup and is suited out in trip today. He was first-up there and just okay, but generally mixes in stronger company and this is well within his grasp. Top chance. Space Equity has been very good at his past couple, game off a tough run in the Edenhope Cup and then rock-solid at Morphettville last Saturday. No starts on this surface but going well enough to be a chance in this. Concede each way chances to Cable Dancer and Look Sharpish, in a race where not much would surprise.
Riding High will likely find this trip too short at this point of his campaign, but needs the run to keep ticking over before a return to jumping. If he finds a spot in the first four in running he may sneak a place.
Currently, Riding High is a $21 chance in the market.