Echuca
Race 3 – Pittsburgh Pirate
Jockey – Neil Farley
1400m – Barrier 3
Resuming galloper Pittsburgh Pirate finds a competitive maiden at Echuca this afternoon. The four-year-old son of Pierro has had two jumpouts in preparation for today, the latest a sound effort at Colac when not asked for an effort to finish third on heavy ground. Jockey Neil Farley rides from a good draw and will be positive early, settling on or just behind the speed throughout the run.
Favourite Child draws the inside alley and can boot through to hold the lead from the outset. This galloper improved at her second race start when camping outside the lead and finishing fourth at Sandown over 1500-metres. She’s fitter third-up and can be in this for a long way. Extreme Emotion jumps from gate two and is another who will find a prominent position in running. She was a long time away from the racetrack and fitness may have given out last start when looking a winning hope on the home bend. With two runs under her belt this preparation, she can give this a shake. Dashing Donkey was very slow into stride on debut but picked up to run fifth. With a cleaner getaway he can be strong late. Golden Hips never got clear at Pakenham first-up, going to the line largely untested when not beaten far first-up. With even luck he can be a major factor in this.
Pittsburgh Pirate hasn’t been seen at the races since early January and will benefit from the run today. Farley will use his gelding’s early speed to sit handy in the run, looking to enjoy a soft run and cart into the race. He can be thereabouts in the home straight and can collect a cheque for connections. Go each wayh.
Currently, Pittsburgh Pirate is a $15 chance in the market.