Flemington
Race 4 – Cote Atlantique
Jockey – Harry Coffey
1400m – Barrier 3
Recent acquisition Cote Atlantique makes his Australian debut in Group-3 company at Flemington this afternoon. The four-year-old son of Kodiac has jumped out once in preparation for today, a sound effort down the back straight at Ballarat a fortnight ago, signalling he’s more than happy in his new environment. Jockey Harry Coffey leaves from barrier three and can let his galloper roll in the early parts, looking to settle near the speed in a race that lacks early dash.
Fancify has drawn the outside and is the likely challenger for the lead, following a disappointing effort when sent out favourite at this track and trip three weeks ago. There were excuses given post-race on that occasion, and expect her to bounce back today. The form through She’s Bulletproof reads well for this, one of the main dangers. At the other end of the field, Is It Me is shooting for a hattrick of wins from the 1400-metre start here, having overrun her rivals late twice in recent times. She rises in grade today but loves Flemington (5:2-3-0) and will be charging late. So too Aztec Ruler, who was game chasing the red-hot Rise At Dawn here in The Elms last time out. He’ll be coming with Is It Me late. Wary of Ayrton, who resumes from a year-long spell. He may take a run to find his best but impossible to ignore his first-up record, boasting five wins from seven attempts.
Cote Atlantique has just 54kg on his back today, Coffey able to let him stride and find his rhythm early on. He’s not fully screwed down for this and may feel the pinch in the final furlong, but expect his class to take him a long way. Each way claims with something to learn.
Currently, Cote Atlantique is a $20 chance in the market.
Edenhope
Race 3 – Petroula
Jockey – Jaylah Kennedy
1200m – Barrier 8
Speedy filly Petroula is second-up and fitter when she heads to Edenhope this afternoon. The three-year-old daughter of Magna Grecia was sound when runner-up at Kyneton fresh, albeit beaten a fair margin by a smart one who just missed at Moonee Valley last night. Jockey Jaylah Kennedy leaves from barrier eight and can let her filly stride in the early parts, able to roll across and find the front heading into the home bend.
A few will look to go with Petroula early with Runaway Love, French Love and Erminia all to punch through from underneath, while Manhattan Lane may elect to roll across from the extreme outside from the outset. Debutant Proud Chief has just one jumpout to his name but it was a nice one at Stawell a fortnight ago. He draws for every possible chance in gate four and could have last crack. Shapes as hardest to beat. Erminia has the advantage of the inside alley and is a recent jumpout winner. Will need to begin cleanly but must be considered an each way chance. The race drops away from here, perhaps and each way chance to French Love, who was better second-up in a moderate affair.
Petroula finds the right race today, her wide gate the query around a tight track. If she can begin cleanly and find the top early, she’ll give them all something to chase. Strong claims.
Currently, Petroula is a $6 chance in the market.