Ballarat
Race 4 – Off The Deep End
Jockey – Jack Hill
1600m – Barrier 8
Four-year-old mare Off The Deep End is up in trip for her third career start at Ballarat this afternoon. The daughter of Deep Field hasn’t threatened at her two previous outings, but the jump to a mile could spur improvement on her home track. Jockey Jack Hill rides from an outside draw and will be positive early, looking to land outside or just behind the speed on settling.
Son Of Grace will jump fast and look for the lead from gate four, while expect Delure to punch through from the inside and hold a forward position early on. These two look to have the front between them, with Off The Deep End and Backlit Beauty likely to get the trail on their backs. Spiritual Thinker will get a soft run midfield and comes here fitter for her runner-up effort at Warrnambool a fortnight ago. She’s consistent if nothing else, placed six times from nine attempts and may have finally found the right race today. Can’t jump in at the short odds though. Expecting Delure to bounce back after pulling up lame first-up. He’d jumped out well prior to that run and can hold the lead from the inside alley. He can be in this for a long way. Backlit Beauty draws for the run of the race but may be suited over further. First-up today but jumpouts have been only just. Hard to enthuse others.
Off The Deep End will appreciate the extra ground today and should be able to find a forward position in the run. The mare has improved since her last outing and strikes a moderate event in familiar surroundings today. No surprise to see her run top three this afternoon.
Currently, Off The Deep End is a $26 chance in the market.