Swan Hill
Race 3 – Pressure Cooker
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1200m – Barrier 9
Three-year-old galloper Pressure Cooker makes his debut appearance at the races today over 1200-metres at Swan Hill. The gelded son of Adelaide has improved with every trial and jumpout this preparation, his latest effort at Ararat was encouraging when placed under no pressure to chase. Mitch Aitken will ride for a position midfield or worse with cover from an outside gate, looking to wind up in the long home straight and hit the line strongly. Not a heap of obvious early speed in this, Luna Angel and Rose Ring could push forward from their middle draws and be prominent in the early stages while Yendall is sure to be handy from gate one with Irresistible Sir. This runner was good on debut when sent out at long odds at Mornington, racing wide throughout and sticking on okay late. He’ll get a more favourable run here and presents as one of the main chances in a tricky race. Local debutant Murralane has been trialling well, winning his latest jumpout under a ride at Bendigo. Where he settles from an awkward draw could be key for this runner. South Australian visitor Rose Ring has upside and could well be the winner, but cannot entertain at the short quote. Lunar Angel only found one better in these conditions first-up at Ballarat. From a good draw she’s the one to beat. Pressure Cooker will be better suited over more ground but this is a suitable starting point for his career. The long straight gives him the chance to balance up and chase the leaders who, if they overdo things in the run, could be vulnerable late. Wet track no concern for this Dwyer runner and a top four finish would not surprise. Look for him late.
Currently, Pressure Cooker is a $19 chance in the market.
Race 5 – Brungle Bertie
Jockey – Tahlia Hope
2400m – Barrier 13
Seven-year-old steeplechaser Brungle Bertie is second-up at Swan Hill this afternoon following a sound effort at Warracknabeal five weeks ago. The hulking son of Canford Cliffs has had a steeple trial between runs and will present fitter for today’s assignment over 2400-metres on a heavy track. Jockey Tahlia Hope will drift back from the start, conserving energy from a wide gate in a race with good early speed. Equine Philosopher knows only one way and is the obvious speed influence here, coming across from an outside gate. Sellente is drawn just inside this runner and will make him work early while Testa Life can kick-up and hold her spot from the rails. Second Division appeals as a chance here following a solid run on debut in Australia. The ex-kiwi gelding won two of his three starts across the Tasman, both on heavy ground which he gets again today. He’ll drift back from a wide gate and finish strongly, must be considered a winning hope. Race leader Equine Philosopher is racing in terrific heart and if he finds the lead on his terms will take a power of running down. Heavy conditions no concern. The race evens out from here but concede chances to stablemates Christmas and Zephatino, who made late ground behind Equine Philosopher at Horsham last start. The ex-European gelding, Christmas, presents fitter for two runs in Australia and will appreciate the rise in trip, while Zephatino is racing consistently. Both will be making their charge late. Brawl comes into calculations if the track improves into the soft range. Brungle Bertie is yet to miss a placing on heavy ground and connections will be hoping the track stays in this range throughout the card. His recent trial effort was good and, save for the two recent imports, meets a field with plenty of convictions to their names. He’ll be warming up late down the centre of the track and can collect a cheque for connections.
Currently, Brungle Bertie is an $81 chance in the market.