Flemington
Race 5 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – Declan Bates
2000m – Barrier 3
Enigmatic galloper Nishino Crescent gets out to 2000-metres for his first trip to racing headquarters. The gelded son of Satono Aladdin warmed up late when hitting the line at Caulfield’s Heath track last time out, giving every indication he’s looking for this trip – perhaps even more – this afternoon. Jockey Declan Bates rides from gate three and will look to settle midfield with cover, needing luck to get out and rolling when the time comes.
Speed comes from Special Envoy drawn in barrier four, while Lauding, Aristonous and Sea What I See won’t be far away when runners find their positions. Lauding has won two on the bounce over this trip in slightly weaker company, the latest beating home Jennivamoose by over three lengths. That galloper was beaten in a head-bobber last Saturday up in grade. If Lauding can get over in the early stages, he’ll keep kicking in the home straight and give them something to catch. Sea What I See is unbeaten in three starts this campaign, progressing from maiden company to win impressively on each occasion. Draws for a lovely run tucked in behind the speed here and must be considered a winning hope. Each way chances to Bavicia, Sir Atlas and Rebadge, while no surprise to see Aristonous in this until late. Competitive event.
Nishino Crescent will appreciate the expanses of the Flemington circuit, providing he gets galloping room building into the race. He’ll be better again over further, but ability can take him deep into this race. Look for him to be hitting the line.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $23 chance in the market.
Oakbank
Race 5 – Gaze Grise
Jockey – Kayla Crowther
1400m – Barrier 6
Six-year-old mare Gaze Grise is looking for a change of fortune when she races at Oakbank this afternoon. The daughter of Puissance De Lune has raced well without striking a win this preparation, her past two luckless efforts firmly knocking on the door of a seventh career win. Jockey Kayla Crowther rides from barrier six and can find a back to follow midfield before working into the race on the home bend.
Zero Inn will go fast from an inside gate, while Stella Notation and Wild Imagination will roll across from out wider to look for the top early on. Alpine Flyer is first-up here on the back of a recent trial win at this track. Has won twice when fresh previously and draws for a soft run behind the speed. Her chances take a hit if the track dries out by this stage of the day, but must be considered a leading chance. Sixteen Reasons comes here second-up and fitter following a plucky effort up on speed at Murray Bridge. She was caught on a limb the entire on that occasion and should receive a kinder run today. Top chance. Wild Imagination was a strong winner at this trip fresh before not measuring up in Stakes class last time out. Third-up record is good (5:3-0-0), can’t be ignored. Others would surprise.
Gaze Grise has her first crack at this distance today, but recent efforts suggest she’s looking for the extra ground at this stage of her career. She’s twice runner-up at Stakes level around Oakbank and just needs even luck to find her position early. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Gaze Grise is an $8 chance in the market.