Hamilton
Race 3 – Le Plus Rapide
Jockey – Jack Hill
1400m – Barrier 2
Three-year-old galloper Le Plus Rapide heads to Hamilton todays second-up, following a plain effort on debut at Caulfield. The gelded son of Rubick was solid in the market on that occasion, however was slowly away and failed to make an impact against stronger opposition three weeks ago. Up to 1400-metres should suit here, Jack Hill looking to begin cleanly and settle forward in the run from gate three, blinkers going on this afternoon.
Not a great deal of speed on paper, but expect Eglises to punch through from the inside and hold its spot early, while Ejay’s Firefox and Pure Xtravagance may elect to roll forward from middle draws heading into the home bend. Moderate event. Seattle Hope is the obvious danger in this, finishing runner-up at her past three, only narrowly beaten at her past couple. She does get back in her races, which may not be the place to be today, but on recent form is clearly the one to beat. Princess Toro has shown some ability at the jumpouts but the outside draw is no spoil. Will need luck, but must be considered an each way chance in this. Minor hopes to Pure Xtravagance up in trip, and Evergrande, who’s fresh efforts have been sound. Others would surprise.
Le Plus Rapide gets his chance to improve in what looks a weaker Maiden today, needing to begin cleanly and put himself in the picture early on. The addition of blinkers is a positive move, and he’ll appreciate the steadier tempo out to 1400-metres. He can figure in the finish.
Currently, Le Plus Rapide is a $3.90 chance in the market.
Hamilton
Race 4 – Im Bartholomew
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1600m – Barrier 2
Four-year-old galloper Im Bartholomew gets back on top of the ground when he steps out to a mile at Hamilton this afternoon. The gelded son of Complacent was disappointing in heavy going last time out, settling forward in the run but unable to finish off from the home bend. Jockey Mitch Aitken rides from barrier two here and can roll forward again today, a steadier tempo expected up to the 1600-metre trip.
Quizlet has drawn the extreme outside and is the other speed influence in the race, expect him to go forward from the chute start and be among the first turning for home. This galloper improved at Penshurst last time out, sticking on well after a wide run to be beaten just over a length. His previous two starts were ordinary, but a repeat effort of last start sees him in with an each way show. Always Fiorente was good first-up at Kilmore and the rise to a mile second-up looks ideal. Drawn for a soft trail in gate one, looks hardest to beat. Concede an each way chance to Tower Of Tuscany, who will find this easier than last start, and Crafty Boss, who loves a minor placing.
Im Bartholomew will appreciate the predicted steadier tempo here, and can have a kick left in the locker turning for home. With few genuine winning hopes in the race, he can figure in the finish without surprising. Each way claims.
Currently, Im Bartholomew is a $6.50 chance in the market.