Flemington
Race 4 – Prairie Flower
Jockey – Will Price
1000m – Barrier 9
Star Turn filly Prairie Flower drops back to 1000-metres today after being game in defeat at Ballarat last start. Dwyer’s three-year-old sat off the speed and chased the smart Elite Icon there, leaving a big gap to third behind them. That runner starts favourite in a strong race in Adelaide today and looks very hard to beat. The Flemington straight holds no fears for Prairie Flower who is twice placed at the sprint trips at headquarters. Jockey Will Price has drawn the outside part of the track, usually advantageous for straight track racing, and can settle back in the field with cover before making his run late. Of her rivals, Perth visitor Wild Belle brings strong form to this and is a leading chance. How she handles the straight track is the only real knock. Ojai only needs to run up to her performance in the Kevin Hayes and she’ll be right in the finish. There’s been some good performances out of that event. Lady Laguna is a class runner with a good first–up record but 59.5kg? The race opens up from there and Prairie Flower, with minimum weight, is a live chance for a top-three finish at an attractive price.
Currently, Prairie Flower is a $23 chance in the market.
Wangaratta
Race 5 – Nightstick
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1300m – Barrier 4
Four-year-old gelding Nightstick is looking for a change of fortune at Wangaratta today when he takes on 0-57 company in race five. The son of Toronado was held up when making his run at Ararat last start, finally getting clear when it was too late and hitting the line with vigour. He passed the post with Greenhill Prince and Birthday Suit, both of whom have come out and won well in stronger grade since. Jockey Mitch Aitken can settle closer to the speed today, looking for a midfield position with cover before finding room to make his run when straightening. Of the dangers, The Cassini chased gamely first-up and will be fitter for the run. He’s a likely improver and has been competitive in stronger races than this. Gojazz rarely runs a bad race and drops slightly in class for this, but has drawn awfully and will need a lot to go right here. The Dwyer runner has found a suitable race today and must be considered one of the main chances, despite the unflattering digits in the form guide. With even luck he can notch career win number two this afternoon.
Currently, Nightstick is a $4.80 chance in the market.