Bendigo
Race 1 – Frankie Divine
Jockey – Beau Mertens
1600m – Barrier 4
Written Tycoon gelding Frankie Divine is third-up at Bendigo today, following an encouraging effort at Sandown a fortnight ago. The four-year-old galloper started at big odds on that occasion but made good ground from the rear at 1400-metres, giving every indication he’ll relish the extra furlong this afternoon. Jockey Beau Mertens keeps the ride and can settle midfield with cover from a good draw, off what should be a steadier tempo than last start.
Most of the early speed has drawn towards the outside here, so there could be a bit of action as runners come across to find their positions. Five Rings and Snappy Pierro will be keen to control the race from the front, while Voliero can come across with them and be prominent in the run. Five Rings was held up when quickening at Geelong last start and should’ve gone close to winning. He ran on well once clear and gets straight to a mile second-up. Will need a bit to go right from a sticky draw but looks the one to beat. Looming One has drawn for a lovely run one or two pairs back and races like he’s ready for a mile. He appeared to have every chance to finish closer last start but couldn’t go with them when they sprinted. The steadier tempo up in trip could spur improvement. Crazy Daisy was solid from the back at Warracknabeal last start and could be value as a place proposition. Not sure what to make of Alibey in a new stable. Won a recent jumpout, but first-up at a mile?
Frankie Divine ran straight past Looming One last start, and there’s nothing to suggest he won’t have that runner covered again today. Mertens can give his gelding a soft run throughout the race and hook out to chase at the top of the straight. He’s fitter third-up and a big track like Bendigo should suit this horse down to the ground. A winning chance this afternoon.
Currently, Frankie Divine is a $4.40 chance in the market.
Bendigo
Race 4 – Irish Consort
Jockey – Declan Bates
1100m – Barrier 5
Resuming galloper Irish Consort heads to Bendigo this afternoon looking to improve on his two runs in his first preparation. The gelded son of Reward For Effort was the subject of market support on debut when he led and faded in the Kyneton straight, before a better effort second-up when ridden colder at Swan Hill. Jockey Declan Bates can come out neutral from a good barrier today and let the four-year-old find his feet, the 1100-metre chute at Bendigo giving runners plenty of time to find their positions.
Miss Black Diamond is the main speed influence in the race, drawing well and certain to punch forward in the early parts. She led and was nabbed on the line at this track and distance two starts back, before a good effort in a strong city maiden last start. If she’s allowed to dictate terms at the front, she’ll prove mighty hard to catch. Catahoula made many lengths when slowly away here two starts back, then wasn’t far away in benckmark-64 grade at Sandown last start. That’s good form for this and if a run appears at the right time, she can be strong late. First-starters Klassik Sistine and Bryce have shown ability at the jumpouts, they could run well without surprising.
Irish Consort has jumped out soundly for his resumption today and should get a lovely run in transit. If he can transfer his ability to the racetrack, this race is well within his keeping. A genuine each way chance in a competitive race.
Currently, Irish Consort is a $16 chance in the market.