Ballarat (poly)
Race 1 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2100m – Barrier 4
Japanese import Nishino Crescent is second-up today following an impressive Australian debut on this track three weeks ago. Henry Dwyer’s newcomer made many lengths from the tail over 1500-metres on that occasion, and the rise in trip today looks ideal for this gelded son of Satono Aladdin. Jockey Mitch Aitken will leave neutral from an ideal barrier and can choose his own adventure throughout.
Not a great deal of early speed in this, perhaps Trinity Raider pushes forward if she steps cleanly and King Idylls may elect to boot through from the inside. Neither possess a withering burst, however. This appears a skinny event, with most having many offences on their records. Steel Gaze has the least of these, by virtue of having just three race starts. He was a long way beaten over 2100-metres first-up, and while he’ll present fitter for the run, he’ll need to improve many lengths to challenge at the finish. Fortunate Gal finished eight-lengths astern of Nishino Crescent last start, arguably unlucky not to finish a length or two closer. Still has plenty of ground to make up.
Nishino Crescent couldn’t have been more impressive first-up and shapes as very hard to beat today. He needs only to run up to last start to win this, and you’d think the further the race goes, the more comfortable he will be. Just needs galloping room and he looks the winner.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $1.20 chance in the market.
Ballarat (poly)
Race 4 – Crimson Dynamo
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1400m – Barrier 9
Highland Reel filly Crimson Dynamo makes her debut for the Dwyer stable at Ballarat this afternoon. The three-year-old galloper had one start with the Price/Kent yard before immediately spelling, presenting first-up today since October last year. Mitch Aitken leaves from an outside draw and will ride quietly, finding cover in the second half of the field and looking to pick a few off in the run home.
Poorme Ashot has enough natural speed to hold the front from the inside barrier while Boot Of Cortez can roll forward from the middle of the line. This runner went forward here last time and fought on well to hold second place. He’s fourth-up and at peak fitness now, if he finds the lead easily enough he’ll be hard to run down late. Mighty George has jumped out well for his new stable and looks forward enough to be competitive in a race like this. Magic Opal was good from the back last start and if she’s close enough on the bend, can make her presence felt late. Concede chances to Namasaka and Rocketoro.
Crimson Dynamo will be better suited out over more ground, and will likely just be getting warm as the race comes to a close. Her recent jumpout was sound on the bridle and we have much to learn about this galloper today. Looking to see her finish off the race, she’ll improve from whatever she does today.
Currently, Crimson Dynamo is a $7.50 chance in the market.
Ballarat (poly)
Race 6 – Dancethenightaway
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1500m – Barrier 10
Three-year-old filly Dancethenightaway returns to the synthetic track this afternoon following a plain run here last start. The daughter of Highland Reel was a winner at this track and trip two starts back but didn’t finish off in a similar race last time, the stable expecting a better performance from their galloper today. Jockey Mitch Aitken has drawn the outside and won’t bustle early, rather looking for cover in the second half of the field.
Sistine Explorer and Wardy Boy will go forward kin the early parts and look the likely leaders, while Korolev and One Out won’t be far away. Thalursian was good here last start, finishing runner-up fresh behind Our Free Spirit. He finished four lengths in front of Cosmic Rhapsody on that occasion; that horse won here last start. That’s good form for this and he’ll prove hard to beat. One Out has been racing well without winning of late but that will change soon, you’d think. Contends with a sticky draw but will be thereabouts as usual. Wardy Boy led and fought on well at Swan Hill last start and will find the front again here. The form from that race has been very strong and he’s a two-time synthetic winner. Another with an each way chance.
Dancethenightaway won in this company two starts ago and will look to bounce back today. She’s fit for recent racing and on her best efforts is right in the thick of this. Her chances are enhanced if any run-on bias is detected. A genuine each way chance at an inflated price.
Currently, Dancethenightaway is a $14 chance in the market.