Hamilton
Race 4 – Furioso
Jockey – Will McCarthy
3400m Maiden Steeplechase
Promising jumper Furioso has his first go over the big fences today in a competitive maiden steeplechase at Hamilton. The gelded son of Atlante won his maiden hurdle two starts back before sticking on for a distant third behind subsequent Australian Hurdle winner Circle The Sun at Warrnambool. Henry Dwyer’s five-year-old has had a steeple trial in preparation for today, jumping well and not asked to do much when second behind runaway winner Tom Foolery. That horse was asked to extend in the trial and looked good winning by a space on heavy ground. Third behind Killourney in a hurdle event last start, Tom Foolery looked at ease over the steeples and is in with a strong hope today. Mighty Oasis is a competent jumper with experience over the steeples under raceday pressure. The Andrew Bobbin runner fell at Warrnambool four weeks ago but has run well on the flat since, and is sure to be fit and ready for today. Stablemate Duke Of Bedford was ten lengths off the impressive Teofilo Star last start and ran a long third in Tom Foolery’s trial. Teofilo Star has since obliterated a stronger field at Sandown and looks a solid form reference. Lord Pierro is another that didn’t complete the course at his last start but has ability. Furioso will enjoy the heavy conditions at Hamilton today and will be given an easy time of things in the second half of the field. Willie McCarthy is an excellent rider and has a good record on this gelding, they present with a strong top three chance in an open event.
Currently, Furioso is a $3.30 chance in the market.
Race 5 – Riding High
Jockey – Campbell Rawiller
3400m Steeplechase
Champion steeplechaser Riding High backs up from a brave performance in the Australian Chase last Sunday where he finished runner-up behind up-and-comer Tolemac. The nine-year-old son of Raise The Flag improved from his run at Warrnambool at the start of the month and comes here fit and sound for racing. He strikes an open event today and the heavy conditions will play against his chances. The key form reference is the event won by Tolemac during the Warrnambool carnival, where Under The Bridge and Roland Garros finished second and third respectively. The latter has had a steeple trial since where he looked very good and will be fitter for today’s chase. Hard to split the pair. Castrofrancaru is two from two over the hurdles and three form four on heavy tracks. He won a recent steeple trial, non knock on him. Hurry Cane is another who relished heavy going. He beat Rockstar Ronnie two starts back at Pakenham before finding the Grand Annual a bridge too far. Suited back in trip here. Riding High has been lumped with a huge weight, somewhat offset by the claim – and talent – of Campbell Rawiller. He’ll jump well and give his usual honest effort, just how heavy the surface plays will be a factor in his performance. Must be considered a top three chance.
Currently, Riding High is a $6 chance in the market.