Kyneton
Race 2 – Irish Consort
Jockey – Liam Riordan
1188m – Barrier 6
Reward For Effort gelding Irish Consort makes his racetrack debut today in a competitive maiden even at Kyneton. The promising three-year-old has had plenty of jumpout experience, winning two recent hitouts and showing good speed when a close second at his latest. Jockey Liam Riordan has drawn a touch awkwardly, leaving from barrier six in a nine-horse field. Early speed will be intriguing with Kumicho drawing the extreme outside and Last Ditch Effort from gate one both likely to push forward in search of the lead. Witness Impact from barrier two may choose to boot through and Irish Consort won’t be far away, so expecting a genuine tempo in the early parts. The winner of this race looks to come from these four runners. Last Ditch Effort has one start to his name, gunned down in the last stride at Wagga in December. The Mitchell Beer galloper can control the race from his inside gate and prove hard to run down around the tight Kyneton circuit. Witness Impact can enjoy a lovely run behind the speed but will need luck rounding the home bend. If a gap opens at the right time his jumpouts suggest he’ll be hard to hold out. Kumicho had every chance from the front at Donald first-up but was paddling late. He’ll be fitter for the run but may need to use some tickets to get across from a wide draw. Mysweetmoses is the other runner to look for from the Nick Ryan stable. Jumpout form has been moderate but there’s been plenty of market support so ignore at your peril. Irish Consort will need a clean getaway to find a position outside or just behind the speed but possesses the early dash to achieve this. The Dwyer runner has looked professional in all lead-up trials and talent alone puts him right in this. He only needs to settle in the run and he will prove very hard to beat in this event.
Currently, Irish Consort is a $2.90 chance in the market.