Bendigo
Race 6 – Off The Deep End
Jockey – Alysha Warren
1400m – Barrier 9
Resuming mare Off The Deep End is a year between runs when she heads to Bendigo this afternoon. The five-year-old daughter of Deep Field, who has endured a long layoff due to injury, has just one trial to her name this time in, effectively using today as a second trial with plenty of improvement to come on the back of her run. Apprentice hoop Alysha Warren leaves from the outside gate in field of nine, likely to drift back in the early parts before running through the line late.
Speed comes from All Hands drawn in barrier eight, while expect Crazy Sheriff and The Satisfyer to roll forward and settle handy throughout. All Hands led everywhere bar the winning post when he was grabbed right on the line at Hamilton last start. The winner has since won again at Warrnambool on Sunday, that’s good form for this. Will make his own luck on-speed and looks hardest to beat. Dazzling Sky comes her second-up on the back of a sound fresh effort at Mornington a month ago. He’s had two starts on a heavy track for a win and a second. Sure to be thereabouts. Each way chances to Surely Special, who was an easy winner at Geelong last start, and Crazy Sheriff, who can use the inside alley to her advantage.
Off The Deep End will improve on whatever she does today, better over more ground and with the extra fitness under her belt. She’ll get back from the outset and look to run on in the best going in the home straight. Can pass a few late.
Currently, Off The Deep End is a $10 chance in the market.
Bendigo
Race 7 – Sawbay
Jockey – Harry Coffey
2400m – Barrier 2
Promising stayer Sawbay gets out to 2400-metres for the first time at Bendigo this afternoon. The four-year-old daughter of Ghibellines has had three starts this time in, her latest a solid effort when making many lengths from the tail at Ararat to finish third behind an all-the-way leader over 1600-metres. Jockey Harry Coffey leaves from an inside alley today and can take closer order in the run, his mare to appreciate the rain-affected ground and able to turn for home within striking range of the leaders.
Scratchings have claimed the main speed horses, and it’s unclear who will want to lead the field into the back straight. Eco Warrior is as likely as any to roll forward, following a narrow defeat when runner-up in a similar contest at Moe a fortnight ago. There was a big gap to third on that occasion, and only needs to hold that form to be in the mix again today. One of the main chances. Highland Glory is racing in good fashion of late, winning at Hamilton two back before a sound closing effort at Ararat seven days ago. No surprise to see her in the finish again. Each way chances to Dunbelievin’, who comes here third-up from a spell, and Aesculus, who saves her best for these conditions.
Sawbay was strong at the end of a mile last start and gets to a more suitable trip this afternoon. Soft-to-heavy ground should prove no concern for the mare, who has improved with each outing this campaign. She has more upside than these. With even luck, she can win this.
Currently, Sawbay is a $2.80 chance in the market.