Caulfield
Race 8 – Asfoora
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1100m Group 2 Rubiton Stakes – Barrier 6
Star sprinter Asfoora resumes at Caulfield this afternoon, taking on Group Two company over 1100-metres in the Rubiton Stakes. The speedy daughter of Flying Artie was in terrific form last campaign, winning twice at Group level over this distance, sandwiching those runs with a brave second to Imperatriz in the Group-1 Moir Stakes. The five-year-old mare had a quiet jumpout at Great Western in preparation for today, looking to add to her already impressive first-up record (4:3-0-1). Jockey Mitch Aitken rides from a middle draw and can lead or take a sit just off the speed, in a race that appears to have good early tempo.
Indian Pacific and Hypothetical will both go fast from outside draws, while Viviane and Queen Of The Ball will boot through from nearer the rail and ensure a solid gallop in the early stages. Zapateo is one galloper that will get back and enjoy the fast tempo, winding up late to stake her claim. She races well here and has won twice before when fresh. If they go too hard up front, she’ll be the late closer. Kallos had just one run last preparation, not finding the clearest of paths here behind Asfoora in The Heath. He should’ve finished closer that day but does draw awkwardly for this. Each way claims. So too Hypothetical, who will get her chance from the front, and Rey Magnerio, who has been winning consistently in lesser grade.
Asfoora is the class runner in this field and loves racing at Caulfield. She is unbeaten from three attempts at this track and trip, and her only first-up defeat came in the Group-1 Oakleigh Plate last year, when beaten under a length at Sandown. She’ll find a forward position in the run and apply pressure rounding the home bend. All things being equal, she looks the winner today.
Currently, Asfoora is a $2.20 chance in the market.
Morphettville
Race 2 – Irish Butterfly
Jockey – Jacob Opperman
2500m – Barrier 4
Veteran galloper Irish Butterfly heads to Morphettville for the first time, staying at 2500-metres this afternoon. The gelded son of O’Reilly has had three runs this preparation, improving at each outing and nears peak fitness for today’s contest. Jockey Jacob Opperman leaves from barrier five in a field of seven and can roll forward from the start, looking to sit on or just behind the speed throughout.
Piercing Sky has sat handy when winning his past two starts and the plan will no doubt be similar from a low draw here. He rose from maiden grade and never gave his rivals a chance from the front at Mornington last start, and faces another class rise today. Strong claims. Canford won at this track/trip/grade last start, making it two wins from his past three starts. Must be considered. These two look the clear main dangers.
Irish Butterfly drops significantly in grade for today’s race, copping a stiff weight penalty as a result. He can bowl along up near the speed and strips fitter for recent racing. His last start effort was better than it appears in the form guide, and if he can find the front, will keep kicking a long way into this. Right in the mix.
Currently, Irish Butterfly is a $3.60 chance in the market.