Geelong
Race 8 – Flying Celica
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1720m – Barrier 1
Improving mare Flying Celica is third-up and fitter when she lines up in the last event at Geelong today. The daughter of Toronado has been sound in stronger company at two runs this time in, suited down in class and up in trip this afternoon. Jockey Mitch Aitken rides from an inside draw and can let his four-year-old roll in the early parts, looking to land on or just behind the speed on settling.
Speed comes from the extreme outside with Vegas On Fire to go fast from the outset, while Queen Of Tayrona will punch through from the middle to hold a forward position heading into the back. Even bunch. Hemsworth draws for a soft trail from barrier three, coming here third-up from a spell. He improved to finish within a length of the winner at Yarra Valley last start in a similar contest and has his first go beyond a mile today. One of the main chances. Queen Of Tayrona has been runner-up at two of her past three starts, and will be given every chance from up on-speed in this. She’ll be vulnerable late, but has each way claims. So too Tosen Warrior, who was okay as a beaten favourite at Echuca last time out, and Vegas On Fire, who will likely lead the field into the home straight.
Flying Celica finds a moderate event today, stacked with horses of limited ability. She has more upside than most, and out to this trip third-up looks an ideal scenario. If she can begin cleanly and settle forward in the run, she can be right in the finish. Strong claims.
Currently, Flying Celica is a $5.50 chance in the market.