Swan Hill
Race 8 – Riding High
Jockey – Tahlia Hope
2400m – Barrier 3
Raise The Flag gelding Riding High is fourth-up and nearing peak fitness as he looks to pinch a win on the flat before getting over the obstacles later in his preparation. The nine-year-old veteran has been running well over shorter trips this campaign and will enjoy the rise to 2400-metres on rain-affected ground today. Jockey Tahlia Hope can give her gelding every chance in the run, rolling forward from a good draw and sitting outside or just behind the speed. Cernan will kick-up from inside the Dwyer runner and hold a forward position, while Equine Philosopher and Tom Foolery will come across from wider draws. Country Cups horse Bannerton gets in well at the weights after an apprentice claim and has drawn for a soft run. This is the easiest race he’s seen for some time and will be right there in the home straight. Equine Philosopher was impressive when winning from the front over 2200-metres at Donald last start. This is harder but the tactical advantage of being on speed could prove crucial here. War At Sea has been running well without winning but his best efforts have him right in this. Needs everything to go right though. Riding High drops in grade today and will enjoy getting his toe in the ground. He is on a path to Warrnambool but a race like this is not beyond his capabilities. He’ll see the trip out and if it turns into a slog he’ll be hard to get past in the run home.
Currently, Riding High is a $13 chance in the market.