Mornington
Race 9 – Friday At Five
Jockey – Beau Mertens
1500m – Barrier 3
Zoustar mare Friday At Five comes back a notch in grade when she heads to Mornington third-up today. The five-year-old galloper showed good improvement at Werribee last start, and will appreciate the extra distance on offer today. Jockey Beau Mertens rides from an ideal draw and can settle in the first four from the outset.
Speed looks solid enough in the early parts, with Grand Touraine, Valenki and Super Solar all drawing well and likely to push forward from the outset. Super Solar looks the most likely of this trio to be there at the pointy end of the race, racing in good fashion this preparation. His last start placing behind Plenty Of Ammo reads well for this, and he’ll benefit from an improving surface by this stage of the day. In the mix. Spirit Beast hit the line well at 1400-metres first-up and boasts a solid second-up record (2:1-1-0). He’ll likely go back from a wide gate and give the leaders a start, but look for him to be strong late. Valenki has place claims.
Friday At Five has a good record third-up from a spell (2:1-1-0) and looks suited back in this company. She should get a nice run throughout and be able to offer a kick late in the piece. A winning hope in a competitive race.
Currently, Friday At Five is a $6 chance in the market.