Ballarat
Race 6 – Count Of Anjou
Jockey – Dakotah Keane
1100m – Barrier 4
Four-year-old galloper Count Of Anjou is third-up and fitter when he peaks at Ballarat this afternoon. The gelded son of Rubick has been underwhelming at two starts this preparation, settling back and never a threat on either occasion. He’ll appreciate the drop in class from his last start and an apprentice claim gets him in well on the weight scale. Jockey Dakotah Keane can jump on terms and settle in the front half of the field from a good draw today without spending too many tickets early.
Speed comes from out wide with Francine and Snappy Tycoon to roll forward from the chute start, while Tornado’s Sister and Indian Jewel set up for nice runs just tucked in behind. The latter was good at both runs in her debut preparation, winning second-up before sent to the paddock for a spell. She’s jumped out well for her return and shapes as one of the main dangers in this. Whistlefield closed very well first-up at Bendigo in stronger grade and comes here fitter for that outing. She won her maiden second-up last campaign, but does she get too far back again today? Must be considered. Each way chances to Francine and Brazen Brando who drop in class.
Count Of Anjou needs to improve on recent showings to figure in the finish today. He’ll get his chance with weight relief from a good draw, and peaks at this point of his preparation. On best efforts, he’d be an each way chance here.
Currently, Count Of Anjou is a $46 chance in the market.
Ballarat
Race 7 – Savvy Bee
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1400m – Barrier 7
Improving mare Savvy Bee is second-up and fitter for today’s contest on her home track at Ballarat. The daughter of Savabeel was sound when runner-up fresh at Kyneton three weeks ago, finishing a length in front of subsequent winner Tosen Princess on that occasion. Jockey Madison Lloyd rides from barrier seven and can be positive in the early parts, looking to land outside or just behind the speed with blinkers applied today.
Speed looks okay with Nordic and Wise Legend to roll forward from the start, with Gargantuan to come across from a wide alley and give Savvy Bee a nice cart in early. Nordic comes back a peg in grade for this and shapes to find the front from a low draw. He’s fitter third-up and can be in this for a long way. Metrical’s run behind Hey Fat Cat reads very well for a benchmark-58 contest. If he’s close enough turning for home he’ll prove hard to hold out late. Impending Shadow was solid from the back first-up and raced in much stronger company than this last preparation. She’ll give a start but cannot be discounted as a top three hope. Each way chances to Gargantuan and Zasceed.
Savvy Bee gets in with a light weight here and has won her only start on her home deck. She can take a forward position in the run and have a tactical advantage on a few of her rivals turning for home. Strong each way claims in an open race.
Currently, Savvy Bee is a $9 chance in the market.
Ballarat
Race 8 – Alors Tu Crois
Jockey – Dakotah Keane
1600m – Barrier 3
Resuming mare Alors Tu Crois kicks off her preparation over a mile at Ballarat this afternoon. The five-year-old daughter of So You Think was given a shake-up in a recent jumpout, responding well and crossing the line with Normady Bridge in a good hitout before today’s assignment. Apprentice hoop Dakotah Keane claims down to 58kg and can settle forward in the run, allowing her mare to roll in the early parts.
Not a heap of speed on paper in this, with Sailors Book and Sevillana likely to push forward from wide draws, while Kathy’s Beau can punch forward and hold a spot from the inside. Open affair. Confrontational is one runner who will be hoping the leaders over do things and set up for the swoopers late. He finished well for third behind Ceerseven at The Valley two starts back, that’s strong form for this. Winning strike rate a concern, but must be considered. Dashing Duchess resumes having shown good ability in her first campaign. Tricky draw, but has each way claims. So too Sailors Book and Hasseltoff who can improve with even luck today.
Alors Tu Crois was a first-up winner last preparation and then again off a freshen-up eight weeks later. A mile suits fresh today and she’s drawn to go forward and get every chance. Strong each way claims in a wide-open finish to the card.
Currently, Alors Tu Crois is a $15 chance in the market.
Ballarat
Race 8 – Pannier
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1600m – Barrier 8
Four-year-old galloper Pannier comes back in trip on his home deck at Ballarat this afternoon. The gelded son of Tavistock pulled up with issues following his last run at Benalla, but had been sound in three runs prior this preparation. Jockey Madison Lloyd won’t bustle out of the gates today, rather finding cover in the second half of the field, looking to finish off in the latter parts of the race.
Not a heap of speed on paper in this, with Sailors Book and Sevillana likely to push forward from wide draws, while Kathy’s Beau and stablemate Alors Tu Crois can punch forward and hold their spots from the inside. Open affair. Confrontational is one runner who will be hoping the leaders over do things and set up for the swoopers late. He finished well for third behind Ceerseven at The Valley two starts back, that’s strong form for this. Winning strike rate a concern, but must be considered. Dashing Duchess resumes having shown good ability in her first campaign. Tricky draw, but has each way claims. So too Sailors Book and Hasseltoff who can improve with even luck today. Alors Tu Crois should get every chance from up on speed, race fitness the query late in the piece with her.
Pannier will be hoping for a solid tempo today, looking to wind up and make his presence felt late. How the track is playing by this point of the day is key to his chances, but no surprise to see him bounce back and be around the mark today.
Currently, Pannier is a $46 chance in the market.