Stawell
Race 4 – Kowloon Kurious
Jockey – Dean Yendall
1850m – Barrier 4
Three-year-old gelding Kowloon Kurious makes his raceday debut when he steps out over 1850-metres at Stawell this afternoon. The half brother to Group-1 winner Smokin’ Romans has had plenty of jumpouts in preparation for his debut, the latest a second-placed effort in heavy going at Ararat over 1300-metres. Scratched at the barrier a week ago in his first appearance at the races, it’s ‘take-two’ for the Dwyer runner in the Wimmera today. Leading hoop Dean Yendall hops on from gate four and will look to keep in touch early and find a position with cover. The early speed battle doesn’t look intense, giving Walk In The Woods the chance to cross from an outside barrier. He improved sharply stepping up in distance last start behind impressive winner Pannier, only needing to run up to that performance to be the one to beat in this event. Living Free has run third in both raceday starts, his latest effort at this trip showing good improvement. No reason to think he hasn’t come on further and must be considered a leading hope here. The race thins out significantly from the top two mentioned in betting, with some support for Paul Preusker’s filly Reel Bonnie Lass who didn’t have the clearest of runs last start. With even luck she can be within touching distance of the favourites in the run home. Kowloon Kurious finds a suitable race sto start his raceday career today. The speed doesn’t look furious and he should have plenty of time to find his feet and settle into a gallop. While he’ll appreciate more ground later in his campaign, the stable are keen to see what he produces at the races today.
Currently, Kowloon Kurious is an $8.50 chance in the market.
Stawell
Race 5 – Alors Tu Crois
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1850m – Barrier 6
Last start winner Alors Tu Crois strikes similar company up in distance at Stawell this afternoon. The four-year-old daughter of So You Think won in a tight photo finish at Kyneton three weeks ago, showing a great will to win in the closing stages of the race. Jockey Madison Lloyd jumps from an ideal barrier and will push forward in search of the lead in the early parts. There’s a bit of speed in this with Peshwa booting up from his inside gate to hold out Alors Tu Crois and Eidolon who will look for forward positions in the run. Peshwa was beaten by a handy type at Bendigo first-up before feeling the pinch late at Sale last time out. He’s fitter and has upside, presenting as one of the main chances here. Power Of Song will find this much easier than her last outing at Warrnambool. Expecting her to bounce back and prove competitive here. Conceding chances to Hollywood Siren and Turn It Up Tommy who finished within a length-and-a-half of each other at Geelong last start. Alors Tu Crois was brave last start winning from a tricky position and really sticking her neck out. She will have taken improvement from the run and will present fitter today in a similar contest. If she jumps cleanly she will be in this for a long way and prove hard to beat again.
Currently, Alors Tu Crois is a $5 chance in the market.