Warrnambool
Race 2 – Under The Tassels
Jockey – Tahlia Hope
1300m – Barrier 2
Comeback mare Under The Tassels returns to the races for the first time since finishing runner-up at Geelong in March last year. The five-year-old daughter of Epaulette had a jumpout at Geelong a fortnight ago in preparation for her return, working through the line nicely in a pleasing hitout. Jockey Tahlia Hope leaves from barrier two this afternoon, able to find a midfield position with cover and enjoy a soft run throughout.
Not a huge amount of early speed here, with Luna Angel as likely as any to push forward and take up a leading position. This filly has been good at all four runs this preparation, placing on three occasions and showing she handles heavy conditions. If she’s able to dictate from the front, she’ll be hard to beat. Red Paree was very good when just missing at Warracknabeal two starts back, the winner of that race since beaten a nose in stronger company. Forget the run at Murtoa last start when posted wide. She can bounce back and be in the finish here. Rosetown Princess placed at all three runs last time in and comes here first-up. Wet track a query but on face value is a winning hope. Concede an each way chance to Arctic Charlie on her run at Moe two starts back.
Under The Tassels will likely need the run after such a long layoff and will improve from whatever she does today. She has the ability to beat this field; connections will be keen to see her run through the line and get back home issue-free. An each way chance on talent alone.
Currently, Under The Tassels is a $4.80 chance in the market.
Warrnambool
Race 8 – Moscow Red
Jockey – Jaylah Kennedy
1700m – Barrier 7
Grand campaigner Moscow Red heads to Warrnambool this afternoon looking to end her nine-year-old season on a high. The daughter of Road To Rock returned to form with a solid closing effort at Geelong last start, and drops right back in grade for today’s contest. Apprentice hoop Jaylah Kennedy offsets the big weight with a 3kg claim, likely to drift back from the start and work into the race on the home bend.
Speed comes from Stretford End drawn towards the inside, with Always Hunting to roll forward from out wider on the course. This galloper won his maiden in heavy conditions at Donald last start, finishing fifth behind metropolitan placegetter Slane the start prior. He should find the front here and will prove hard to run down in the home straight. One of several winning chances here. Dustland Fairytale finished off nicely last start behind subsequent winner Lulu Darling. The extra trip looks ideal and she’s another with claims. Grand Rock looks close to a win and gets conditions to suit. Loves heavy ground (7:2-2-2) and both career wins have come at this trip. He was runner-up behind key rival Mark Of The Man two starts back. This galloper was a bit plain up in class last start and will appreciate coming back to benchmark-58 grade here. This is an open affair.
Moscow Red is four-times placed at this track from five starts, but is yet to claim a win. The mare gets conditions to suit today and if she can run up to her last start performance, will be very hard to hold out late in the piece. Will need luck at the right time to get rolling and must be considered a winning chance in this grade.
Currently, Moscow Red is a $7 chance in the market.