Mildura has proven a happy hunting ground for the Dwyer camp recently, and today they look to continue their good form with two runners making the long trek towards the Murray River. Elsewhere, Moscow Red continues her South Australian preparation at Morphettville.
Mildura
Race 2 – Masked Valentine
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
Barrier – 2
Masked Valentine lines up for a delayed fourth career start after missing a run at the abandoned Benalla meeting on Monday. This runner has shown glimpses of promise in two of his three runs, the latest a sound effort from wide and a long way back at Echuca. Jockey Mitch Aitken has drawn well today and can afford to sit closer to the speed in a race that appears weaker than what she has faced before. Main rivals here look to be the strong-finishing Mr Scorefield for the Chibnall yard, and South Australian visitor Son Of Vadamos for Hickmott/Riggs who will improve from an impressive debut run.
From the trainer:
1400-metres in weaker grade obviously suits.
He can be finishing thereabouts in this sort of race.
Currently, the market has Masked Valentine a $16 chance.
Mildura
Race 7 – Let It Rip Reggie
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
Barrier – 7
Let It Rip Reggie is on the quick back-up after a luckless run at Warracknabeal last Saturday. The five-year-old gelding got caught on the back of tiring horses and never got a look at them in the straight, so should be fresh for his run here today back out to 1900-metres. The son of Ocean Park was brave at this track six weeks ago, setting solid tempo in a 2000-metre race where he felt the pinch late and finished fourth, six lengths in front of the fifth-placed runner. That race was assessed as 12 lengths better than average time and if he performs up to that run, he’ll prove very hard to run down in the last furlong. The Payne runner, Swear By Her will prove the main danger, and conceding a chance to the top-weight, Sir Peter.
From the trainer:
1900-metres today, should be better again.
Would’ve preferred some give in the track, but you sacrifice a weaker race for a firmer track.
If he runs up to two starts ago he’ll be hard to beat.
Currently, the market has Let It Rip Reggie an $8 chance.
Morphettville
Race 4 – Moscow Red
Jockey – Will Price
Barrier – 3
Moscow Red jumps in trip up to 1800-metres today where she finds a suitably soft track in benchmark-64 company. Racing today in David Jolly’s name, the veteran galloper again finds herself in a winnable race after being a little one-paced at Murray Bridge a fortnight ago. Apprentice hoop Will Price claims down to 56kg and should get a soft run, however could be looking for room at the top of the spacious Morphettville straight to let down with a strong finishing run. Mick O’Leary’s runner, Four Outlaws, has been racing well of late and presents as a strong chance in this, as does Take Me North for team Alexander. On her best effort, Moscow Red can easily mix it with this lot.
From the trainer:
We’ve left her over there (SA) with David Jolly…there’s some nice benchmark races for her.
She’s up and going and sound; she’s got a couple more wins in her this preparation.
She raced a bit dour last time, hence the step-up in trip.
Anywhere near her best form, this is a very winnable race for her.
Currently, Moscow Red is an $8.50 chance in the market.