Avoca
Race 3 – Sophdane
Jockey – Neil Farley
1200m – Barrier 7
Nicconi filly Sophdane makes her racetrack debut at a rain-affected Avoca this afternoon. The three-year-old galloper has been sound in a pair of jumpouts leading into today, and how she handles the wet track is an unknown at this stage. Jockey Neil Farley leaves from towards the outside and can let his filly settle where comfortable, likely with cover in the second half of the field.
Speed is unclear, but first-starters Finn Mac and Miss Gossip Girl showed speed to lead and win their most recent jumpouts, and from low draws can employ similar tactics here. Shadow Land was solid in the market when on debut at Echuca in May, finishing third and immediately spelled. He was pushed along in a recent jumpout and looks ready to go first-up here. Hardest to beat. Akuma was okay at Tatura three weeks ago and gets blinkers on for his second start today. Expecting improvement in this. Each way chances to Finn Mac, who should get every chance from the front, and Vierville, who hasn’t been far away in two career outings.
Sophdane finds a suitable race to kick-off her racing career today, on a surface with plenty of give under hoof. Her jumpouts suggest she won’t be far away, and in a race with plenty to learn, no surprise to see her thereabouts in the first four home. Each way claims.
Currently, Sophdane is an $8 chance in the market.
Avoca
Race 7 – Almonti
Jockey – Neil Farley
1860m – Barrier 8
Five-year-old galloper Almonti is four weeks between runs when he takes on the Avoca Cup this afternoon. The gelded son of Dundeel has been rock solid in three runs since returning from Adelaide, winning at Geelong before not far away at two subsequent outings. Jockey Neil Farley leaves from towards the outside today and will likely find himself in the second half of the field, looking to work into the race approaching the home bend.
Speed is good, with Play On Words to roll across from gate seven and look for the lead, while all of Boss Coni, Chevalier Du Fau and Any Luck will punch through from nearer the rail and ensure a genuinely-run contest. Samurai Star will enjoy a soft trail off-pace from gate four, able to make his run with Almonti from the back of the field. He’s been consistent this preparation and will be strong to the line late. One of the main chances. Any Luck was good when trailing the speed at Mount Gambier up in trip last start, and draws to play a similar role today. She’ll be right there turning for home and will enjoy the rain-affected surface. Sure to offer a kick. Each way chance to Miss Bariloche.
Almonti is yet to strike a blow on a wet track, but does strike a very winnable edition of the Avoca Cup here. He’s racing well and back to this trip is suitable after a short break. If he can get out and rolling at the right time, he’ll take holding out late. Chance.
Currently, Almonti is a $4.60 chance in the market.
Morphettville
Race 9 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – Dom Tourneur
2014m – Barrier 1
Enigmatic galloper Nishino Crescent crosses to border to Morphettville this afternoon. The gelded son of Satono Aladdin was a strong winner when resuming from a spell, before an okay effort second-up at Sandown a month ago. Out to 2000-metres here, jockey Dom Tourneur will find himself in the second half of the field from the inside alley, looking to find clear room in the home straight to get out and chasing the leaders.
Speed is okay in the early parts, with Tippa, Eureka’s Victory and Call Me Vexatious all drawn low and able to roll forward, while expect Yuri Royale and Ammo Amor to be around the mark on settling. Tippa has finished in the money at his past seven runs – including two wins – and comes back in grade for this. Unknown at this distance but racing in terrific heart. One of the main chances. On The Scent never got a crack at them on the Parks circuit last start, good once clear and strong through the line. He’ll appreciate the bigger track and should receive a lovely run throughout. Strong each way claims. Eishaa ran past On The Scent at her last start to win and must be considered again today. Big Story next best in an open affair.
Nishino Crescent draws for the softest of trails from the inside, but will need things to go his way when the sprint goes on. If Tourneur can navigate a clear path home in the straight, he can be strong to the line. Each way claims.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $13 chance in the market.