Benalla
Race 2 – Quick Fingers
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1106m – Barrier 4
Improving filly Quick Fingers is looking to go one better than her last start second at Bordertown when she runs at Benalla today. The three-year-old settled back in that race and finished strongly, beaten only a long neck by All Clubs. That runner subsequently smashed her rivals by 6.5 lengths at Oakbank, a good form reference leading into this event. Mitch Aitken can get a nice run behind the speed from a good draw and present his mount as the pressure goes on rounding the bend. Motitsi for Josh Julius will be hardest to beat from the raced brigade, while there has been good money for a number of first-starters. Quick Fingers has a great chance to run top three here and with a bit of luck could graduate from maiden class.
Currently, Quick Fingers is a $10 chance in the market.
Race 4 – Pittsburgh Pirate
Jockey – Josh Cartwright
1606m – Barrier 5
Pierro gelding Pittsburgh Pirate steps out to a mile today with a golden chance to breakthrough at start number five. Henry Dwyer’s galloper was brave in defeat last start at 1400-metres, given no peace in the lead by a 100/1 pest that dropped out and ran last. The three-year-old was only headed late there and Josh Cartwright should enjoy a quieter time today from an ideal barrier. Short-priced favourite Midnight Glow presents as the main danger, but conceding an each-way chance to You Betcha Woo. Pittsburgh Pirate is racing well this preparation and a forward showing is expected this afternoon.
Currently, Pittsburgh Pirate is a $4.40 chance in the market.