Flemington
Race 2 – Irish Butterfly
Jockey – Celine Gaudray
2520m – Barrier 9
Veteran galloper Irish Butterfly is third-up and fitter when he reunites with Celine Gaudray at Flemington this afternoon. The young hoop has two wins from three rides on the eight-year-old, claiming down to 57.5kg today as the gelding rises in trip to 2520-metres. The son of O’Reilly ran an improved race at Warrnambool last start, and Gaudray can roll forward off a steadier tempo to hold a prominent position in the run to the first bend here.
Speed is drawn in the middle of the line with Mr French and Winds Of March to press forward, while Mr Blackwood and Wertheimer can hold their positions from inside draws. Galilaeus was sound at his Australian debut three weeks ago, running on late at The Valley and giving every indication he’s ready for the extra ground. He’ll get a soft run in the second half of the field and be strong late. In the mix. Wertheimer beat home One Last Kiss in a blowout result last time out, but the latter had a torrid run. Expect her to turn the tables and go close here. Winds Of March was a dominant winner in easier company last start, while Team Captain comes right back in grade for this. Both have each way claims. Oceanic Flash next best.
Irish Butterfly will relish the rise in trip today and does have a good record third-up from a spell (5:2-1-1). He hasn’t won at Flemington in five tries but has run well here behind some good horses. If Gaudray can get him across and find a forward position early, he can keep kicking and run in the top three.
Currently, Irish Butterfly is a $16 chance in the market.
Flemington
Race 5 – Prairie Flower
Jockey – Damian Lane
1100m – Barrier 10
Consistent mare prairie Flower comes back a notch in grade when she returns to Flemington this afternoon. The four-year-old daughter of Star Turn has been runner-up in two of her past three runs, finding it difficult (like most) to make ground from the back at Geelong in Stakes company last time out. Jockey Damian Lane leaves from the outside part of the track and will find cover in the second half of the field on settling.
It’s Kind Of Magic looks the leader in this, with Albanian Thunder able to roll forward and sit just off it in the early parts. Sans Doute was a strong winner here over 1000-metres when ridden with cover, and may elect to tuck in behind the leaders again today. She was good at The Valley the start prior and will prove hard to beat today. Kin has been racing well without winning, making good ground from the tail at Caulfield and The Valley. She’ll get a soft run and be strong to the line late. A Little Deep looks the other main danger, coming off a good last start win when receiving no favours in the run. She’s yet to be out of the money in five career starts (5:3-1-1) and no surprise to see her in the finish again today. Cute As with minor claims second-up.
Prairie Flower is suited back in grade today and ran very well at this track and trip in November. The run at Geelong was better than it looked, and she only needs to hold her form to be competitive in this. A strong each way chance today.
Currently, Prairie Flower is a $7 chance in the market.