Seymour
Race 3 – Cheeky Blinders
Jockey – Declan Bates
1418m – Barrier 12
So You Think filly Cheeky Blinders makes her racetrack debut on heavy ground at Seymour this afternoon. The Henry Dwyer-trained filly has had a pair of public hitouts in preparation for today, her latest an okay effort at Werribee in similar conditions to those she will encounter today. Jockey Declan Bates has drawn wide here and will drift back in the early stages in search of cover. Marble Gold looks the leader here from gate three with Self Worth to get the gun run behind her on the fence from an inside barrier. Wonderwall is the obvious on-top pick here following two runner-up efforts this campaign. The latest was at Casterton in what has turned out to be a solid form reference with fourth from that race since winning well. The Maher/Eustace galloper has drawn towards the outside but has settled back both runs this time in so no disadvantage there. She’ll be strong late and very hard to hold out. Bao Bun was well-supported last time out before missing the start and leaving too much to do at the back end. A cleaner getaway today sees her with a good each way chance at a price. Marble Gold gets the addition of blinkers and could be in this for longer if she gets it her own way in front. Thida will be improved second-up after a messy effort when fresh. She didn’t have a lot of room in the run home and can run top three with even luck. This is a suitable starting point for Cheeky Blinders, who will improve on whatever she does today. The filly meets some race-fit gallopers who have the advantage of raceday experience, however the stable are hoping to see her balance up and run through the line strongly from a rearward position. Plenty to learn from this debut run.
Currently, Cheeky Blinders is an $11 chance in the market.
Race 5 – Mortar
Jockey – Jack Hill
2027m – Barrier 4
Promising galloper Mortar steps quickly up to 2000-metres today following a good first-up effort at Warracknabeal when runner-up over a mile. The gelded son of Tarzino was held up behind runners at a vital stage there, while the winner made a sweeping run around the field to pinch the race. Mortar was strong once clear and gives every indication he’s ready for the trip today. Jockey Jack Hill can land one or two pairs back in the running line from a good draw in a race with good early speed. Bors will push forward from a middle draw while Three Earls and Good Life Diva may boot up inside of him. Bors will be fitter third-up and drops in class for today’s race. Has won just one of fifteen starts but is eight-times placed and must be considered a strong each way chance again here. Same can be said for Sacred Kenshi who is another third-up and looking for the extra distance in this. He has drawn ideally in barrier three and should receive a lovely run throughout. He’s hardest to beat. Ex-kiwi Kashock could be ready to fire at her third Australian start for the in-form Patrick Payne yard. Mortar can watch the speed battle unfold in front of him and tuck into a plum spot in the run. He won his maiden strongly at this trip and the heavy ground – providing it’s not a bog – shouldn’t pose a problem for this gelding. If Jack Hill can get him rolling at the right time he will be right there with them at the finish. A winning hope.
Currently, Mortar is a $4.20 chance in the market.