The Henry Dwyer Racing stable has two runners today in IRISH PLAYBOY and HEAVENLY BRIDGES running at Caulfield.
Caulfield – Soft (7)
The track has come up a Soft 7 after plenty of rain in the past few days and the rail is out 12 metres which is significant. Normally the rail out that far would suit those on the pace, however, throughout the day they will chop up the inside, which then might favour those coming from behind. Will be interesting to see the pattern early.
Race 4 (1.25pm) NEDS Price Boost Handicap
No.15 IRISH PLAYBOY – Michael Poy (Barrier 10)
IRISH PLAYBOY heads to Caulfield today where he will contest a 1600m BM78. He has drawn gate thirteen and Michael Poy will ride.
IRISH PLAYBOY is likely to drift back into then second half of then field but the strong tempo should ensure he gets his chance late. He comes off a very fast run race at Sandown last time out where he got back on a track it was simply impossible to make ground. That was only 1300m and the step to 1600m here looks more suitable and with the rail out 12m, it wouldn’t surprise to see them making ground on a track that may well chop out. This horse’s run in the Country Mile final three back in what was a testing contest was really good and if he can reproduce that performance he can figure in the finish.
In saying that, he is now crying out for 2000 metres and we will get that next start at Caulfield so today might be a tad short for him in trying conditions. Will be flashing late, but whether he can reel them in is the question.
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $23 (as at 8am)
_________________________________________________________________
Race 6 (2.50pm) NEDS Bet Back Handicap
No.10 HEAVENLY BRIDGES – Alana Kelly a(3) (Barrier 3)
HEAVENLY BRIDGES also heads to Caulfield today where she will contest a 1100m BM84. She has drawn in gate three and Alana Kelly will ride.
Much like she did last time out, Alana Kelly may have to take a sit just off the speed here as FAST N DEEP is especially fast early. It was great to see HEAVENLY BRIDGES bounce back to the winner’s circle last time out after putting the writing on the wall with an impressive jump-out leading in. She was beautifully ridden there, settling off what was a solid tempo and ripping home in good late splits. That win shows the versatility of this mare as she was home the 3rd best last 600m split of the meeting. The little query is getting up to the 1100m but she’s going to get a gun run here and down in the weights has an each-way hope.
The extra 100 metres on Soft ground is the only query, but she isn’t a one trick pony anymore as she doesn’t need to lead and she can just sit off them and save herself for one last sprint. She would need everything to go right to win in this grade, but she is as honest as the day is long and she again has to carry very little weight with the in-form Alana Kelly onboard.
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $23 (as at 8am)