Sandown
Race 8 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1800m – Barrier 9
In-form galloper Nishino Crescent is shooting at back-to-back wins when he heads to Sandown this afternoon. The gelded son of Satono Aladdin was destined for a spell following his impressive performance at Flemington two weeks ago, however a calendar change saw today’s race land in the schedule, presenting an opportunity too good to pass up. Jockey Mitch Aitken stays on and can find cover in the second half of the field before working into the race at the right time.
Speed looks good enough on paper with Dragoon and Blushing Tycoon to roll forward from the inside, while expect Independent Road and Nana’s Wish to come across from the outside and settle on-speed. A handful of these have been racing against each other of late, but Revelare brings different form to this, winning at this track over a mile seven days ago. That proved to be a good win in a race that was run at a ridiculously slow tempo, and getting out to this trip looks to suit. The one to beat. Blushing Tycoon finished ahead of Nishino Crescent with a positive ride two back before the tables were turned last start. He’ll go forward and give a good sight today. Each way claims. So too Et Tu Brute, who pulled up with an excuse last start, and Dragoon, who is racing in good fashion.
Nishino Crescent comfortably beat some key rivals home last start and has come through the run in terrific order. He’ll get a similar run today on a suitable track, Aitken needing to avoid tiring runners when he looks to work into the race. With even luck, there’s no reason he can’t be fighting out the finish. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $10 chance in the market.
Kyneton
Race 6 – Macocha
Jockey – Alysha Warren
1203m – Barrier 12
Street Boss filly Macocha comes back in grade when she heads to Kyneton this afternoon. The three-year-old galloper put in an improved performance at Kilmore last start, finishing alongside subsequent winner Lucky Duck in a strong form reference for today. Apprentice hoop Alysha Warren claims 2kg but draws a tricky gate, forced back to the second half of the field before looking to run on in the home straight.
Speed appears genuine from the outset, with Pill Box and Sub Gauge to punch through from the inside, while expect all of Shotmaker, Cobblestone Way and Shiraz Shaboo to have a look for the lead from wider out. Wide open affair in a big field. Sub Gauge has been good at both runs this time in, following a long stint on the sidelines. He’s third-up here and draws to get every possible. One of the main chances. Cobblestone Way was good at Echuca two starts back before disappointing as favourite last time out. He loomed as the winner there at 1400-metres and back to this trip should suit. Each way claims. So too Seattle Hope, who was an easy Maiden winner at Kerang, and Bromeo, who’s third-up and will appreciate getting to this trip.
Macocha has been cruelled at the barrier draw, hoping for a strong tempo to set the race up for those running on. That’s a low percentage play around this circuit, but her last-start performance demands respect in this field. Will need everything to go right, but no surprise to see her around the mark today.
Currently, Macocha is a $6.50 chance in the market.