Rosehill
Race 9 – Asfoora
Jockey – Jye McNeil
1100m – Barrier 5
Star sprinter Asfoora has another crack in Group-1 company when she takes on the 1100-metre Galaxy in Sydney today. Dwyer’s mare was terrific in the Oakleigh Plate three weeks ago after faltering at the start and losing her position in the run. She recovered to finish third behind Uncommon James and Lofty Strike, the latter since franking that form by running second to In Secret in the Newmarket. Jye McNeil rides at just 51.5kg here and has drawn perfectly in gate five. He can use his mare’s early speed to land a forward position and give her every favour in the run. Zoustyle will come across from barrier eight and look for the lead, his was a brave run in the Oakleigh Plate and will be right up there with a furlong to go. Eduardo and Shades Of Rose will also push forward but they have drawn poorly and have plenty of work to do early. Uncommon James is the main danger here following two excellent runs this preparation. He had all the favours in the Oakleigh Plate and won accordingly after a Group-2 placing first-up. Remarque is the best of the locals, he just never runs a bad race. Jumping to this class the query. Shades Of Rose is first-up after trialling nicely and loves the track, she’ll be thereabouts. The race sets up nicely for Asfoora who can take a sit behind what looks to be a solid speed battle. She’s fitter second-up and meets Uncommon James 2.5kg better at the weights. The daughter of Flying Artie is a live chance in this Group-1 feature and with even luck can be in the winner’s stall.
Currently, Asfoora is a $6 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 8 – Kyteler
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1521m – Barrier 2
Four-year-old gelding Kyteler drops in class following a pair of solid runs since a short let-up to start the new year. The son of Shamus Award made good ground from the rear at Benalla two starts back before setting a fast tempo at Bendigo last start. He tired in the lead there but wasn’t disgraced and Mitch Aitken can again look to settle forward in the run from a good draw. Of his rivals, The Yachtsman is racing consistently and will be thereabouts again. He has finished runner-up three times from his past four starts, winning on the other occasion. He’s beaten some key runners here including Rye Dee Oh who will look to take up the lead from an inside draw. She’s only been run down late the past couple and will give a sight in front. Fast Melody will get back and run on but finds it hard to win. Kyteler will appreciate coming back in grade here and should receive a good run either outside or just behind the speed. He’s racing well and is a winning hope today.
Currently, Kyteler is a $5.50 chance in the market.