Donald
Race 1 – Peaceful Protest
Jockey – Brad Rawiller
1620m – Barrier 8
Resuming galloper Peaceful Protest heads to Donald for a mile contest on soft ground this afternoon. The four-year-old son of Raise The Flag had one start in his first preparation, running soundly at this trip when finishing midfield in November. Today’s race is a suitable starting point for the Henry Dwyer-trained gelding, who will take improvement from the first-up run. Jockey Brad Rawiller will ease back from the start, finding cover and looking to finish the race off late.
Noyers will be prominent early on while Boh Rhap may race handier today. This galloper gets blinkers for the first time and comes here third-up and nearing peak fitness. Both runs this preparation have been sound and the rise in distance looks to suit. He looks hard to beat. Noyers was a beaten favourite at Ballarat on debut, perhaps not getting through the heavy ground. Expecting improvement today and is another with a winning chance from a good draw. Kharma ran third at this trip on debut, finishing strongly from the rear. She’ll be forced back again from a wide alley but will be closing hard.
Peaceful Protest is an aspiring jumper but does possess a good turn of foot. He’ll be better for whatever he produces today, the stable keen to see him balance up and hit the line late. In for a good campaign.
Currently, Peaceful Protest is a $23 chance in the market.
Race 5 – Rock Dee Jay
Jockey – Will Gordon
1200m – Barrier 7
Awesome Rock gelding Rock Dee Jay resumes over 1200-metres at Donald this afternoon. The consistent galloper has had two quiet jumpouts in preparation for today’s outing, and will likely need the run for fitness at the start of his racing preparation. Jockey Will Gordon can find a position midfield with cover from a middle gate, looking to work into the race at the top of the bend. Speed comes from out wide with Frostwood and Magic Edition to roll forward, while One Out can hold its position from the inside.
Robert The Puss finished alongside Franquin at Horsham last start, that horse winning in stronger grade subsequently. He is racing well and another win looks close. Drawn poorly but must be considered a winning hope. One Out can camp just behind the speed here and get run of the race. He’s second-up and fitter, and from a good draw will be right there in the finish. Magic Reward was very good from the back at Swan Hill a week ago and is third-up today. She’ll be hitting the line late. Concede a chance to Bonjour who was a distant third at Casterton last Sunday.
Rock Dee Jay has the ability to beat a field like this but will be better second-up. He’s an improving galloper who is in for a good preparation, and is likely to find a few with race fitness on their side too sharp today. May collect a cheque for connections if the breaks go his way.
Currently, Rock Dee Jay is a $9 chance in the market.