Bendigo
Race 3 – Morpurgo
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2400m – Barrier 5
Promising stayer Morpurgo looks to go one better than his last start runner-up effort at Bendigo this afternoon. The five-year-old gelding was nabbed on the line at Warrnambool over 2350-metres nine days ago, following a strong win at Mount Gambier the start prior. Jockey Mitch Aitken rides from a middle alley today and can settle in the first four throughout the event.
Outsider Caerdai knows only one way and will punch forward from a middle gate, with Aquila Valore to roll forward from its outside and Smokin’ Princess to boot through from nearer the inside, ensuring a good gallop early on. Many with a hope in this. Aquila Valore has been runner-up in the Manangatang and St Arnaud cups at his past two and comes back in grade today. He can find a forward position before the first bend and be in this for a long way. Harold The Great is fitter for two runs this campaign and will relish the extra ground here. The closing effort at Kyneton last time out was encouraging for this. Concede each way chances to the pair of last start maiden winners, Mogadishu and Haaracaine, who wouldn’t surprise if they ran well again.
Morpurgo is fit for recent racing and can measure up in today’s company. He’s in terrific order and should receive a lovely run in transit in the front half of the field. He’ll look the winner at some stage, and goes to Bendigo as a genuine each way hope.
Currently, Morpurgo is a $12 chance in the market.
Bendigo
Race 6 – Gaze Grise
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1100m – Barrier 11
Six-year-old galloper Gaze Grise strikes a strong race upon resumption from the 1100-metre chute at Bendigo today. The daughter of Puissance De Lune had one start for the stable, he second in winter after transferring from South Australia, running well at Caulfield behind Vivianne, who was in the middle of an impressive five-win sequence. Jockey Mitch Aitken rides from an outside barrier today and can find cover in the second half of the field before presenting to the middle of the track in the home straight.
Early speed isn’t scintillating, with Stormbolt and Colsridge as likely as any to roll forward and lead the field to the home bend. The former led and was only grabbed late by Electric Impulse over 1200-metres at Flemington when first-up, and will strip fitter for that run today. He’s unbeaten second-up and should be able to control the race from the front. Hardest to beat. Rich Fortune won her first two starts when last in work, the second of those at Group-3 level. She’s jumped out well and looks ready to perform fresh again today. They look the main two. Looking elsewhere, Fortunate Kiss is another resuming on the back of good jumpout form, and has run well when fresh previously. She doesn’t win often but will be working home late. Zorro’s Dream finished on the heels of Stormbolt last start and does race well here (4:2-1-0). Hongbao is another with each way claims in a good race.
Gaze Grise is a two-time fresh winner but runs into a very competitive field this afternoon. She’ll get her chance to run on down the middle of the track, hoping for a stronger tempo than is predicted. The mare will be better for the run and may collect a cheque for connections here.
Currently, Gaze Grise is a $46 chance in the market.