Warrnambool
Race 3 – Steller Eagle
Jockey – Jaylah Kennedy
1100m – Barrier 7
Four-year-old mare Steller Eagle is on the quick back-up from a plain run at Kerang last Saturday. The daughter of Russian Revolution faded from the speed on that occasion – albeit caught a little wide – but has come through the run well and is fit for recent racing. Apprentice hoop Jaylah Kennedy rides from gate seven and will look for a position outside or just behind the speed in the early parts.
Plenty of scratchings owing to the heavy conditions, leaving a very even and tricky event. Fall Of Rome looks the most likely leader from a middle draw, with Sutherland to kick-up underneath it and hold a prominent position on the fence. This galloper had one start as a two-year-old, finishing down the track at Bendigo in February. She was immediately spelled and looks to have returned in good order, winning a pair of jumpouts in preparation for today. A query in these conditions, but must be considered a winning hope. Fall Of Rome ran third at this track/trip lasts start, only run down late after sitting outside the lead. He’s had three runs this preparation and could prove hard to run down with fitness on his side today. All four first-starters in the race have shown ability at their respective jumpouts and trials, it would be no surprise to see a debutant take the prize here. Difficult to know how they’ll get through the conditions, and the market is no help with seven of the nine runners in single figures.
Steller Eagle had been trending in the right direction prior to her last start, chalking up placings at Echuca and Casterton. She didn’t have the greatest of luck in either of those runs but should have no such problems in the wide open spaces at Warrnambool this afternoon. She handles the wet and should be able to find a forward position in the run. An each way chance in a very open affair.
Currently, Steller Eagle is an $8 chance in the market.
Cranbourne
Race 6 – Moscow Red
Jockey – Celine Gaudray
1600m – Barrier 9
Ten-year-old mare Moscow Red comes back in grade for a mile contest at Cranbourne this afternoon. The grand campaigner finished well at Warrnambool two starts back before having little in her favour at Sandown a fortnight ago. Gun apprentice Celine Gaudray offsets the weight penalty with her claim, and will drift back from the outside gate in the early stages.
Speed looks solid in this, with Prince Of Rome and Apollo to roll forward from middle barriers, while Cyclone Sally can boot through from the inside alley and hold her spot in the lead or tucked in behind them. Teluk won his maiden on debut at this trip in heavy conditions at Wodonga, brushing aside a pretty moderate field. He did a bit wrong on that occasion, but the experience would have done him the world of good, and no surprise to see him go two from two here. Hardest to beat. Apollo was poor on firmer going at Sandown last start, but willing to give another chance with the sting out today. A likely improver. Other chances are either first-up or mixing their form, so difficult to predict how they’ll handle the conditions today.
What we do know is that Moscow Red will appreciate the wet track and can enjoy a quiet run in transit at the rear of proceedings. She can get rolling approaching the home bend and finish strongly, as she did two starts back. In a tricky race to sort out, she must be considered an each way chance.
Currently, Moscow Red is a $17 chance in the market.