Geelong
Race 7 – Moscow Red
Jockey – Alysha Warren
1741m – Barrier 9
Road To Rock mare Moscow Red is six weeks between runs when she heads to Geelong this afternoon. The ten-year-old galloper returned to form at Seymour last start, beaten a narrow margin when third at 1600-metres. Up in trip is okay for today, apprentice hoop Alysha Warren to go back from a wide draw and work into the race in the run home.
Speed comes from Loose On Gin and Pure Power towards the inside, while no surprise to see Wise Legend up in the firing line in the early stages. This galloper has been thereabouts at his past few starts without breaking through, having a hard-luck story to tell from Bendigo before a sound effort at Seymour four weeks ago. Long time since his last win but he is knocking on the door. Loose On Gin and Proprietary come through the same race at this track/trip three weeks ago. Loose On Gin led and was pestered a long way from home, dropping those challengers before being swamped late by the backmarkers. Proprietary was strong late to grab third, beaten a small margin, but had the right race shape. Both with claims, tempo key. Each way hopes to Maxxi Bon and Settat.
Moscow Red will appreciate the rain-affected surface today, hoping the track stays well and truly in the soft range. She was stiff to miss last start and is suited staying in this grade. If runners can make ground, she’ll be coming late.
Currently, Moscow Red is a $23 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 8 – Harbourmaster
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1741m – Barrier 11
Five-year-old galloper Harbourmaster looks to go one better than a last start runner-up effort when he rises in trip at Geelong today. The gelded son of Cable Bay tried hard but just couldn’t reel in Orion The Hunter on the poly four weeks ago, that horse winning easily since to frank the form. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from the outside barrier in a field of eleven and can leave the gates in neutral, settling where comfortable with cover.
Vegas On Fire can use the inside to punch through and hold the front in the early parts, while Top Arctic and Montecristo can land up near the speed heading down the back. Flamin’ Romans has drawn immediately inside Harbourmaster, and where he lands from the start could dictate where Harbourmaster settles in the run. Flamin’ Romans won a Horsham jumpout before a sound first-up run at this track over 1400-metres. Up in trip suits here and he won his only other second-up run. Hard to beat. Akitu is a last start Maiden winner and has run well in all three career starts. Form around him is solid, each way claims. So too Enzedder, who wasn’t far away at this track and trip last start. That form will be tested the race prior. Mere Fancy next best.
Harbourmaster comes back in grade here, improving with each run this preparation. He’s drawn awkwardly, but with even luck must be considered a strong each way chance in this field.
Currently, Harbourmaster is a $12 chance in the market.