Avoca
Race 5 – Quick Fingers
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1300m – Barrier 7
Last start maiden winner Quick Fingers stays at 1300-metres today when she rises to benchmark-58 grade at Avoca. The four-year-old Caravaggio mare was a comfortable winner at Bendigo a fortnight ago, and maps to geta similar run outside the speed in this afternoon’s event. Jockey Madison Lloyd sticks with her, leaving the chute from an outside gate but with plenty of ground to roll across and find her position before the turn.
Burton Street draws just inside Quick Fingers and will search for the front from the outset, giving Lloyd a nice cart over in the early parts. Atala has drawn very wide and is another who will look to cross, while third emergency Viburnum can lob handy to the speed. Scratchings have thinned this field out somewhat, leaving just a few realistic chances. Nevada Breeze gets blinkers today and can use his low draw to take up a prominent position in the run. He’s run well without saluting at all four starts this time in and gets plenty in his favour today. He shapes as hardest to beat. Burton Street and Viburnum filled the quinella at Kyneton four weeks ago and have each way claims.
Quick Fingers was impressive in winning last start, crossing the line with plenty more in hand. She should get a nice passage across in the early parts and park herself outside the speed at a track that favours those up in the firing line. Her confidence will be up after breaking through and the mare strips fitter today for the run. Can make it two in a row.
Currently, Quick Fingers is a $3.60 chance in the market.
Avoca
Race 7 – Alors Tu Crois
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1860m – Barrier 5
Alors Tu Crois takes on a competitive Avoca Cup over 1860-metres this afternoon. The five-year-old daughter of So You Think was sound in a strong race at Sandown last start, and will look to bounce back to the form that saw her post back-to-back wins in winter. Jockey Madison Lloyd rides from a middle draw and can be positive early, settling in the first two pairs heading into the first bend.
El Gladiator and Manangatang Cup winner Man From Uncle have drawn towards the inside and will look for the front early, while Crown Harmonium won’t be far away when runners find their positions. Can make a case for most in a small field, but Crackerjack Prince looks well-placed after a sound showing at Flemington last start. He’ll settle in the second half of the field and be running on rounding the home bend. Hardest to beat. El Gladiator ran a plucky race first-up for a new stable in the Coleraine Cup and will be fitter today. He has claims. So too Man From Uncle who broke a six-year drought to win last start. But surely no two in a row?! Duhlata and Mishika were both impressive winners in lesser grade last time out and could be each way value.
Alors Tu Crois should get a lovely run outside the lead or leaders’ back in this and have a tactical advantage on those running on from behind. If she can hit the bend full of running she can give a kick and prove hard to run down. Genuine each way claims.
Currently, Alors Tu Crois is a $5.50 chance in the market.