Swan Hill
Race 2 – Almonti
Jockey – Jack Hill
1200m – Barrier 1
Three-year-old gelding Almonti heads to the races for the second time after a satisfactory debut at Bendigo three weeks ago. He finished fourth there in heavy going at 1100-metres , battling on gamely despite racing wide without cover throughout. The extra 100-metres today should be of benefit, with trainer Henry Dwyer noting that this runner will likely need today’s run and will be better suited out to 1400-metres and beyond. There’s a few key chances in this race, with the Maher/Eustace team producing a talented filly on debut in Running On Time. She looks the best of the unraced, while Team Hayes runner Andiron finished second here last start, with third from that race winning at Tatura yesterday. If the Dwyer galloper can settle off the speed from gate one and find room in the straight, he’s a chance to run into the placings.
From the trainer:
He’s definitely good enough to win a race like this, but he’s a little on the underdone side.
If he can finish in the first three or four I’d be happy, as long as he done things right and hits the line.
Currently, Almonti is a $9 chance in the market.
Race 3 – Peaceful Protest
Jockey – Maddie Lloyd
1600m – Barrier 9
Raise The Flag gelding Peaceful Protest makes his raceday debut at a mile this afternoon. The future jumping prospect has had several jumpouts in preparation for today and is ready to race, though he’ll likely find a few of these with race fitness too sharp at this distance. Jockey Maddie Lloyd will go back from an outside barrier and present her runner at the top of the long Swan Hill straight. The four-year-old will have plenty of time to wind up and go past a few in the run home, and looks an outside chance to run into the money. The two market leaders are clearly toughest to beat here. Jabbawockeez was very good on debut at Pakenham and out to 1600-metres looks ideal for him, while Artrese beat home State Of Maine last start, that runner winning comfortably at Penshurst yesterday.
From the trainer:
He’s had a good prep.
We’ll just look to see him finishing off.
Currently, Peaceful Protest is a $23 chance in the market.
Race 4 – Let It Rip Reggie
Jockey – Jack Hill
1600m – Barrier 4
Let It Rip Reggie returns to the scene of his last start runaway win, hoping for a repeat performance under Jack Hill today. The chestnut gelding has been installed as favourite on the back of his last start effort where he won by almost three lengths on a dry racing surface. There’s a bit of cut in the ground today owing to recent rain, and the stable are hoping the track is on the improve by the time this bloke steps out. Hill has drawn ideally here and can sit behind the speed in a stalking role and give his mount every chance to bring up a winning double. Today’s assignment looks very similar to last start, with Young Lars and Masina both looking chances at juicy odds. But if the Dwyer runner gets conditions to suit, there’s no reason he can’t fill the winners stall again today.
Currently, Let It Rip Reggie is a $3.30 favourite in the market.