Donald
Race 3 – Almonti
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1350m – Barrier 4
Resuming galloper Almonti is first-up since November at Donald this afternoon. The gelded son of Dundeel had two starts in his first preparation, running well in heavy ground on debut before spelling immediately after his second run. Jockey Mitch Aitken can be positive from a low draw and find a position outside or just behind the lead in the run.
Early speed battle will be interesting with Lip Sip Suk drawn the extreme inside and Turf Two jumping towards the outside of the field. These are the two main players in the market and both have the tactical speed to sit up on pace here. Lip Sip Suk made many lengths from the tail at Horsham before a solid showing when wide and closer at Mornington. This galloper has the advantage of the rail today and should be able to hold a prominent position from the get go. Hardest to beat. Turf Two has had a similar lead in, making good ground first-up before a sound on-speed showing last time out. If she can overcome a sticky draw she’s the other leading hope in this. Concede an each way chance to Lady Of Steel, who has been racing consistently of late.
Almonti was sharp at a recent St Arnaud jumpout in heavy conditions and looks forward enough to be competitive first-up. He should get a lovely trail in behind the speed and can have the last crack at them in the straight. In a race of few chances, he’s a genuine each way hope.
Currently, Almonti is a $12 chance in the market.
Donald
Race 4 – Cheeky Blinders
Jockey – Declan Bates
1620m – Barrier 6
So You Think filly Cheeky Blinders lines up for her second career start at Donald this afternoon. The three-year-old galloper was sound in the closing stages of her debut run at Seymour five weeks ago, getting an extra furlong from that occasion in her favour today. Jockey Declan Bates leaves from barrier six and can find a position midfield with cover throughout the event.
Early speed looks ok with Keyless Go and Always Hunting to punch forward from the inside, while Shameless Image and Paululu won’t be far away from their middle draws. Paululu finished a distant third when fresh at Bendigo three weeks ago behind Albanian I Am, who has since run well again in town. Second and fourth from that race have both run good races since and this looks the strongest form coming into this race. He’s hardest to beat. Always Hunting can get the gun run from a good draw and is fitter second-up. He finished alongside Zilzie Lad when fresh, that galloper winning at this trip at Werribee yesterday. Must be considered a winning hope. Concede an each way chance to Sobart who will be better for his first-up performance.
Cheeky Blinders won a recent jumpout at this track and keeps the blinkers on from that effort. She’s drawn for a soft run and Bates can get going around the home bend and wind up in the home straight. She’ll be improved from her debut run and it would be no surprise to see her sneak into the placings here. An each way chance.
Currently, Cheeky Blinders is a $16 chance in the market.