Kyneton
Race 2 – Petroula
Jockey – Alysha Warren
1115m – Barrier 4
Three-year-old filly Petroula returns to the races today, six months after her inauspicious debut at Murray Bridge. The daughter of Magna Grecia put on a bucking display and took no part in the race on that occasion, quickly finding the paddock thereafter. A recent jumpout suggests she’s returned in good order, apprentice hoop Alysha Warren to let her filly find her feet in the early stages, likely to land in the front half of the eight-horse field.
Speed remains solid despite a host of scratchings, with Shehungthemoon to punch through from the inside and be prominent, while expect Mystic Rapture and Redemption Time to go fast from the middle of the line. Shehungthemoon has jumped out soundly for her resumption today, crossing the line with Daggers in her most recent effort. She was a length-and-a-half off Hayasugi on debut a year ago, but has been only just since. Anything close to that has her hardest to beat. Mystic Rapture worked early at Stawell from a wide gate first time at the races, holding on to run third at this trip. Finished in front of a subsequent winner that day and does draw for a kinder run here. No surprise to see her in the finish. Redemption Time next best.
Petroula sets up for a lovely run in transit from a good draw, able to land outside or just behind the speed from the outset. She’ll be better for the run today, but a top three finish wouldn’t shock. Each way claims with improvement to come.
Currently, Petroula is an $11 chance in the market.
Kyneton
Race 8 – Flying Celica
Jockey – Alysha Warren
1881m – Barrier 9
Toronado mare Flying Celica returns to the races at Kyneton today, looking to bounce back after fading at Horsham last time out. The four-year-old galloper did work early on that occasion but should receive a softer run today, jockey Alysha Warren able to settle one or two pairs back with cover heading into the back straight.
Adki only knows one way and will look to stretch the field out from the beginning, while Day In Heaven and Laybuy will likely be at the head of the chasing division with Flying Celica. Max Mercury was a strong first-up winner at Great Western, coming from off the speed to finish over the top at a mile. Up in trip suits and he’s twice a winner from three second-up attempts. Hardest to beat. Mawkeb comes back in grade for today’s race following an okay effort at Morphettville three weeks ago, lumping 62.5kg here for the privilege. No wins on dry tracks a concern and over six-hundred days since her last win. Each way claims. So too Scandoval, who has won two of his past three, and Laybuy, who has some solid form around him.
Flying Celica finds a suitable race to get back in the money today, coming through her Horsham run in terrific order. She should receive a lovely run throughout, able to be right there turning for home.Strong each way claims.
Currently, Flying Celica is an $11 chance in the market.