Donald
Race 3 – I’m Exonerated
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1628m – Barrier 5
Turn Me Loose gelding I’m Exonerated returns to the races today following a brief freshen-up on the back of a third-placed effort at Ballarat five weeks ago. The four-year-old galloper was sent forward on that occasion after being caught wide in the early parts, engaging in a three-horse battle in the home straight when beaten under a length. Jockey Mitch Aitken rides from gate five today and can let his galloper roll from the outset, able to land outside or just behind the speed heading into the back straight.
Not much speed to speak of in this, with Sure Thing the most likely leader from barrier one, while The Ambassador and High Altitude set up for soft runs tucked in behind the speed. The latter comes here second-up after an even effort at Casterton when fresh. She’s been placed at both attempts at a mile and should get every chance in the run. One of the better chances in this. Sure Thing gets blinkers for the first time and can use the inside alley to hold the front. He found 1300-metres too sharp first-up and looks better suited out to this trip. Each way claims. So too Polish Power and The Ambassador, who will both be better for their respective debut efforts. Need to improve to be wining, however.
I’m Exonerated finds a suitable race to breakthrough today, only needing to hold his form to be right in the finish. He’s drawn to get every favour in the run and should have a kick left in the locker late in the piece. Hardest to beat.
Currently, I’m Exonerated is a $3.40 chance in the market.
Donald
Race 9 – Lupine
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1628m – Barrier 9
Resuming galloper Lupine is first-up over a mile at Donald this afternoon. The gelded son of Tivaci was last seen at the races in May at Caulfield, and recent trials at Burrumbeet and Stawell suggest the four-year-old has returned in good order this preparation. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from an outside gate and can let his galloper settle where comfortable in the run, likely in the front half of the field heading into the back.
Not a heap of speed to consider here, but expect Dashing Rebel to roll forward from the middle of the line, while Patrick can hold a prominent position from nearer the rail in the early parts. Tough race to sort out. In Your Hands was a good effort at Mornington last start, beaten under a length into third place. She was back in the field and found a lovely run through that day, similar luck here sees her in the each way mix. Lilidan didn’t have much luck in stronger grade at Bendigo last start, caught wide and given no hope. Should have no such issues today, and on her effort at Sandown two runs back, must be considered in this. Concede each way chances to Sheer Lunacy, who is racing consistently, and Alpine Rocket, who won over this distance when fresh last time in. Others wouldn’t shock in a tricky end to the card.
Lupine will benefit from the run today, better out over more ground later in his preparation. He was solid first-up last campaign when running on from the back over a shorter trip, and is likely to be closer to the speed turning for home today. Fitness may tell late in the piece, but no surprise to see him thereabouts in the top four with plenty of improvement to come.
Currently, Lupine is a $7 chance in the market.