Geelong
Race 6 – Moscow Red
Jockey – Will Price
1340m – Barrier 3
Stable matriarch Moscow Red is first-up since October at Geelong this afternoon. The ten-year-old daughter of Road To Rock raced well without winning last preparation, and will enjoy the cut out of the ground following good rain in the past twenty-four hours. Jockey Will Price rides from barrier three and will be beaten for speed early on, able to find cover in the second half of the field throughout.
Scratchings have claimed the early speed influences, leaving a field of seven and no obvious leader. World Action is as likely as any to find the top here, while Riproar can punch forward first-up from a spell and be right there when runners find their positions. This galloper just missed when fresh last time in, before proving competitive in much stronger grade later in his prep. He’ll be better over more ground, but must be considered a winning hope in this. Foolproof is another fresh runner who wasn’t far away upon resumption in spring. He’ll get a soft trail from the inside alley and have the last crack at the leaders. Concede each way chances to Mere Fancy and World Action.
Moscow Red gets conditions to suit today and was sound at Donald in a hot trial a fortnight ago. She’ll likely find a few of these too sharp over this trip, but no surprise to see her winding up late and hitting the line hard. Better for next time.
Currently, Moscow Red is a $27 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 8 – Alors Tu Crois
Jockey – Dakotah Keane
1740m – Barrier 6
Five-year-old mare Alors Tu Crois is second-up at Geelong this afternoon, four weeks after a sound fresh effort over a mile. The daughter of So You Think is suited up in trip today and will relish the rain-affected ground, a rarity in Victoria of recent times. Apprentice hoop Dakotah Keane claims 3kg down to 57.5kg, and can be positive in the early parts, able to sit outside or just behind the speed heading into the back.
Scratchings leave a competitive field of six, and you can make a case for every runner. So we will. Luv The Bool jumps from the immediate inside of Alors Tu Crois and will roll forward from the start, looking to continue his recent good form. He just missed when gunned down late at Horsham last start having won his past couple in lesser grade. He’ll get every chance from up on speed and will keep kicking late. Rasputina comes here fitter second-up following a solid effort at Kyneton a fortnight ago. Up in trip is a positive, she’ll be working home late. El Cordobes will enjoy the cut out of the ground while Blooming Edge was an impressive maiden winner at this track/trip last start. Both with claims. Makalu the only runner not yet mentioned, he’s a chance on his effort here in January behind The Autumn Belle. Even affair.
Alors Tu Crois gets out to a more suitable trip today and can take her time coming across from the outside gate. She was good in a recent Ballarat jumpout and looks ready to improve second-up from a spell. She races well when kept fresh and with the rail out, should get every chance from up near the speed. Strong claims.
Currently, Alors Tu Crois is a $5.50 chance in the market.