Terang
Race 5 – Bento Knight
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1600m – Barrier 11
Dundeel gelding Bento Knight gets blinkers for the first time when out to a mile at Terang this afternoon. The four-year-old galloper has had two starts in his debut preparation, having excuses first-up before a sound effort at Mildura over 1400-metres four weeks ago. An extra furlong will suit today, jockey Mitch Aitken to settle in the second half of the field from a wide gate, before running on in the home straight.
No obvious leaders here. Perhaps Fox Charm, Hughie’s Spirit and Royal Inference roll forward to settle near the lead, while Pure Thoughts has drawn for the soft trail behind the leaders in gate three. This galloper tried hard when runner-up behind a smart one at Hamilton first-up a fortnight ago and could improve on a drier surface today. Drawn to get all the favours and no surprise to see him around the mark again. One of the main chances. Jimbrook improved out to 1500-metres second-up from a spell and will be further suited out to this trip today. Arguably should’ve finished closer last start when not beaten far at Geelong. Strong each way claims in this. Fox Charm did enough on debut to suggest she won;t be a maiden for long, while Hughie’s Spirit can settle near the front and be afforded every opportunity. Both with each way claims.
Bento Knight will be better again over more ground later in his preparation, but should get the chance to balance up and run on late in the piece. A genuine tempo will help his chances, and if he settles in the headgear throughout the run, he can finish in the top six without surprising.
Currently, Bento Knight is a $26 chance in the market.
Terang
Race 6- Brungle Raider
Jockey – Alysha Warren
2150m – Barrier 1
Seven-year-old gelding Brungle Raider is second-up and fitter when quickly to 2150-metres at Terang this afternoon. The gelded son of Rebel Raider was fair first-up at a mile three weeks ago, holding his ground in the second half of the field on a day where running on was a rarity. Out to this trip suits, apprentice hoop Alysha Warren can enjoy a soft trail from the inside alley throughout before running on in the home straight.
Early speed looks okay, with Daiya and Gallagher to roll forward from their outside gates, while Bellakai, Olympic Theatre and Cortain can all settle handy heading into the back straight. Tricky race to sort out. Prince Of Byron is coming off a Maiden win at only his second career start, running through the line at 2000-metres like he was looking for more ground. Third from that race won at Hamilton by six lengths. Always hard to progress from Maiden grade to this company, but does look to have ability. One of the main hopes. Cortain had been racing well before beaten a big margin at Cranbourne last start. First go beyond 2000-metres, has each way claims. Bellakai and Olympic Theatre next best.
Brungle Raider has a win and two placings from three second-up attempts, just missing in the Bordertown Cup at this point last preparation. Back on firmer footing is okay and he draws for the softest of runs on the rail. Will need an ounce of luck to get out and rolling at the right time, but must be considered an each way chance in this field.
Currently, Brungle Raider is a $14 chance in the market.