Ballarat Synthetic
Race 4 – Grate Crack
Jockey – Eoin Walsh
2100m – Barrier 2
Improving galloper Grate Crack gets blinkers on today when he steps out to 2100-metres on the Synthetic at Ballarat. The four-year-old son of Crackerjack King has had three starts in his debut preparation, solid when out to 2000-metres at Mildura last time out, and further suited with an extra 100-metres this afternoon. Jockey Eoin Walsh leaves from gate two and can look to settle outside or just behind the speed with a clean getaway.
Speed is okay with Torbelo, Son O’ War and Kauai likely to roll forward from the middle of the line, while Singing Duke may elect to push forward from further out on the course. Just seven runners engaged here, three coming through the same race at this track and trip eleven days ago. Wet ‘N’ Dry and Torbelo filled the placings on that occasion, with Son O’ War five lengths astern midfield. Siding with Torbelo of that trio, who comes here fourth-up and fitter, likely to enjoy a nice run at the front of proceedings. Hardest to beat. Difficult to trust Wet ‘N’ Dry to perform well again, after posting his first placing from fourteen attempts, but has each way claims in this field. Kauai was solid last start, while Son O’ War can improve today. Both with minor claims.
Grate Crack won a recent jumpout with today’s headgear and and peaks for his fourth run this campaign. He’ll be better again over more ground, but this looks a moderate event, and no surprise to see him fill a spot in the first three today.
Currently, Grate Crack is a $5 chance in the market.