Sandown
Race 3 – Moscow Red
Jockey – Jaylah Kennedy
1800m – Barrier 8
Stable matriarch Moscow Red is third-up and fitter when she heads to Sandown this afternoon. The ten-year-old daughter of Road To Rock found them too sharp first-up before a sound effort last time out at Terang over a mile. Up in trip suits today and the mare boasts two wins around this circuit. Apprentice hoop Jaylah Kennedy gets her in well at the weights and will find a position in the second half of the field from the outside alley, working into the race rounding the home bend.
Just eight to go around in this, expecting Derozario and Diamanda to punch forward from their middle draws, while Seasons In De Sun will be prominent from her inside alley. This galloper led for a long way at Morphettville last start, only claimed late in a plucky effort. Back in trip the query, but may give them something to chase at a price. Tacumwah was solid first-up in the Mornington Guineas and draws for a soft trail today. She went around in stronger company last preparation, and out to 1800-metres will suit. Hardest to beat. Each way chances to Furlanetto and Steal The Sun, who come through the same race at Ararat. Fulanetto won on that occasion but Steal The Sun was a very good closing effort. Not much between them again here.
Moscow Red has a good third-up record (9:2-1-3) but would appreciate the sting out of the ground. She doesn’t get that today but doubt it will be too firm at this stage of the day. She’ll get back and wind up in the run home, no surprise to see her pass a few late.
Currently, Moscow Red is a $26 chance in the market.
Sandown
Race 7 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – John Allen
2400m – Barrier 2
Enigmatic galloper Nishino Crescent comes right back in grade for today’s contest at Sandown. The gelded son of Satono Aladdin was ridden close to the speed at Bendigo over this trip last time out, dropping out late when overhauled by some smart stayers. His form prior was sound when ridden colder, and jockey John Allen can do just that today from an inside gate, before looking to finish off strongly in the home straight.
Speed looks genuine in the early parts, with all of Dandruff, Gelns Top Cat, Inthelapofthegods and Flying Pharoah to roll forward in search of the top, while Upwoods can cart across and find their backs from a wide barrier. This galloper bolted in for his maiden win four starts back and hasn’t been more than a length from the winner in seven starts either side of that effort. One win from fourteen starts the obvious knock, but impossible to rule a line through him. Each way claims. Roaring Engine won at this track and trip three starts back before a solid effort in the Adelaide Cup. Disappointing at Bendigo last time out but expect him to bounce back today. Prismatic was far from disgraced at Flemington in stronger company last start and beat a few of these home in the aforementioned Bendigo race. In well after an apprentice claim and must be considered. Verifier and Dandruff next best in an open affair.
Nishino Crescent was very good two starts back behind a red-hot galloper at Flemington and a repeat effort has him in the mix this afternoon. He’ll get the chance to settle in the second half of the field and finish off, hoping the race is run at a genuine tempo. Strong each way claims in a competitive event.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $9 chance in the market.