Pakenham
Race 2 – Hard To Go Wrong
Jockey – John Allen
1400m – Barrier 9
Epaulette gelding Hard To Go Wrong s second-up and fitter when he heads to Pakenham for night racing. The four-year-old galloper was okay first-up when settling last at Hamilton, cutting the corner and finishing better than most in the home straight. He stays at 1400-metres tonight, jockey John Allen leaving from the outside gate in a field of nine, likely to drag back again in the early parts before looking to finish off late.
Not a great deal of early speed in this, perhaps Star Ruler can use an inside draw to roll forward and control the race from the front, while expect Gibraltar Tycoon to settle closer to the speed up in trip today. This galloper was doing its best work late on debut at 1100-metres, settling a clear last before missing in a photo for third in an indication she’s looking for more ground. She gets that here and if she can find cover early, will prove hard to hold out. Hardest to beat. Stairway is first-up today on the back of a recent Bendigo jumpout win. He was a beaten favourite on debut in May last year before quickly finding the paddock. Looks to have returned in good order, strong claims. So too Star Ruler, who peaks third-up today, having been around the mark in both runs back from a spell. He should get every chance from the front. Others would surprise.
Hard To Go Wrong comes here better for his fresh run, but the outside draw in a moderately-run affair is no spoil. He’ll be hoping something can drag him into the race rounding the bend, with a nice run home to hit the line. Each way claims.
Currently, Hard To Go Wrong is a $6.50 chance in the market.