Bendigo
Race 5 – Eddystone
Jockey – Fred Kersley
1400m – Barrier 1
Five-year-old galloper Eddystone kicks off his preparations over 1400-metres at Bendigo this afternoon. The gelded son of Heart’s Cry headed to the paddock a winner at the end of his last campaign, and has a pair of quiet jumpouts under his belt in preparation for today. Jockey Fred Kersley leaves from barrier one and can be positive in the early stages, looking to land on or just behind the speed from the outset.
Not a heap of speed in this, expecting Mixxit to roll forward from a low draw and look for the top, while Mutsuhito won’t be far away on settling. Mixxit resumes off a short spell, stringing together three wins on the bounce at the end of last year. Both recent jumpouts have been good and he draws perfectly here. Hardest to beat. Aspen Colorado is right back in grade for this, having been sound behind an in-form galloper at Sandown last time out. Back in trip the query, but will be making ground late. Each way claims. So too Maid In Dubai, who has won three of five this preparation and wasn’t far away at the other two. Others would surprise.
Eddystone ha a class edge on most of his rivals today, and did win twice at this distance before coming to Australia. He draws to go forward and can put himself in the race from the get-go, in what looks to be a moderately-run affair. Each way claims here with improvement to come.
Currently, Eddystone is an $8.50 chance in the market.
Colac
Race 7 – Off The Deep End
Jockey – Jack Hill
1608m – Barrier 3
Five-year-old mare Off The Deep End is due a change of luck when she heads back to the races this afternoon. The daughter of Deep Field has endured a frustrating run, last weekend’s float trip to Moe the latest in a series of minor setbacks this campaign. All signs are good for today however, jockey Jack Hill drawing well in barrier three and able to roll along in the early stages, looking to land on the backs of the leaders before piling on the pressure approaching the home bend.
Speed is solid here with speed drawn from inside to out, expecting Fashion Fighter and Okesutora to roll across from the cheap seats, while Mummsie and Mawkeb can hold their positions from lower draws. A few with a hope here. Thunder Force comes back in grade following a runner-up effort at Benalla when resuming a fortnight ago. Draws awkwardly here but only needs even luck to feature. One of the main chances. Mawkeb has been racing consistently, leading her rivals by a big margin turning for home at Kyneton last start when only grabbed late over 1880-metres. Back in trip will suit today and can be in this for a long way. Each way claims to Whistle Dow, who was strong late when fresh last start, and Mummsie, who was a good maiden winner at Horsham last start.
Off The Deep End should be given every chance in the run today, able to settle forward with an improved showing on the cards. This is a solid enough race for this grade, but with even luck she can be thereabouts in the finish. Each way claims.
Currently, Off The Deep End is a $26 chance in the market.