A trio of runners heads to Terang for Tuesday racing.
Terang
Race 1 – Martha Lavinia
Jockey – Declan Bates
1000m – Barrier 13
Eight-start maiden Martha Lavinia has a golden chance to convert some competitive racing into a win at Terang this afternoon. The four-year-old daughter of Toronado has run a place in all but two of her races, finishing runner-up four times in a somewhat frustrating start to her career. Today she is faced with an outside draw but jockey Declan Bates has plenty of time to assess the race and find cover in the long run to the bend from Terang’s 1000-metre chute. Finding the right part of the track plays a major role around this circuit – Bates will need his wits about him and a good slice of luck in running to guide the Dwyer mare home in an even opening contest. Rubikai, Red Fox and Splendid Witness all have a winning hope here, but the chances don’t end there. Martha Lavinia is reaching peak fitness third-up into this and will be hard to hold out with even luck.
Currently, Martha Lavinia is a $4 favourite in the market.
Race 3 – Pittsburgh Pirate
Jockey – Josh Cartwright
1400-metres – Barrier 2
Pittsburgh Pirate lines up for his third start this preparation following two solid efforts to begin his three-year-old season. The gelded son of Pierro finished a distant second behind smart galloper Is It Me at Penshurst fresh before enduring a tough run at Hamilton last start when beaten just over a length. Jockey Josh Cartwright is drawn to get all the favours here and can enjoy an economical run throughout the event from gate two. His mount should be strong late given his good fitness base and can feature in the placings again here. This is another open event, conceding chances to Maxims, Tewkesbury and Ponty Well.
Currently, Pittsburgh Pirate is a $6.50 chance in the market.
Race 4 – Tennessee Maggie
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1200m – Barrier 14
Three-year-old filly Tennessee Maggie drops back to 1200-metres today looking for an improved effort at her fourth race start. The daughter of Highland Reel has been well held in both runs this preparation and has returned to the jumpouts since her unplaced effort at Donald last start. Jockey Mitch Aitken contends with an outside barrier here and will be forced back to find cover in the early stages. Tennessee Maggie will find today’s trip too short but trainer Henry Dwyer will be looking for his runner to find the line strongly before he steps her up in distance next start. Pistachio and Nevada Breeze appear main hopes in this but the market has a number of runners in single figures.
Currently, Tennessee Maggie is a $26 chance in the market.