Hanging Rock
Race 3 – Off The Deep End
Jockey – Yoshi Kamomoya
1600m – Barrier 8
Five-year-old mare Off The Deep End is third-up and fitter when she heads to Hanging Rock this afternoon. The daughter of Deep Field has settled rearward and failed to make an impact at two runs back from a long spell, before being scratched at the barriers when losing a plate at Stawell three weeks ago. Japanese hoop Yoshi Kamomoya will likely be forced back from an outside gate again here, finding cover in the second half of the field before looking to hit the line late.
Not much speed on paper but expect Lefkada to roll across and look for the top early, while Hurricane Ketut can use a low draw to hold a forward position heading into the back. Only Old Once and Elle Mcfearsome come through the same Flemington race three weeks ago, both out the back in a slowly-run affair and given no hope of running on. Expect both to settle closer here and have the chance to run on. Siding with Only Old Once of the pair, but both with claims. Hurricane Ketut and Lefkada with minor claims. Hard to enthuse others.
Off The Deep End is five weeks between runs and likely to have plenty in front of her turning for home. Expecting a better effort today, still with improvement to come after a short let-up. In the each way mix.
Currently, Off The Deep End is a $6.50 chance in the market.
Hanging Rock
Race 7 – Friday At Five
Jockey – Neil Farley
1800m – Barrier 2
Last start Burrumbeet Cup winner Friday At Five returns to Hanging Rock today to defend her title in the day’s feature event. The in-form daughter of Zoustar has missed a placing just once in her past seven starts – winning twice – and draws for an ideal run from barrier two today. Jockey Neil Farley stays on and can lob on or just behind the speed early, looking to keep a kick in the locker for the run home.
Flying Basil in gate three looks the other speed influence in the race, likely to roll forward and challenge Friday AT Five for the lead passing the post for the first time. He was good at The Valley first-up before putting in a plain one at Warrnambool last start. Can improve up in trip and looks the main danger. Bannerton will be at the other end of the field, looking to repeat his Wycheproof Cup heroics from November where he finished over the top of a small field. Will have the last crack. Hard to see anything else featuring.
Friday At Five needs only to hold her current form to prove very hard to beat here. She won this race from an impossible position last year and if she’s away cleanly today, should be too good for these. Can go back-to-back.
Currently, Friday AT Five is a $1.60 chance in the market.