Geelong
Race 2 – Peaceful Protest
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2218m – Barrier 6
Six-year-old galloper Peaceful Protest is straight to 2200-metres when he returns to the races for the first time since May this afternoon. The gelded son of Raise The Flag has three spaced trials to his name this preparation, the latest of which a sound effort in heavy going at Burrumbeet nine days ago when finishing close up over 1000-metres. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from gate six of nine and can let his gelding find his feet early, settling where comfortable in a race of limited speed.
The battle for the front could be a case of whoever jumps best will lead, with no noted leaders engaged here. Thundering Falcon may be the one to cart them around, having jumped well before finding cover at Yarra Valley last time out. He was caught a little flat-footed when the sprint when on there but finished off well in the last 100-metres. Will be in this for a long way. Just Explosive and He’s A Tiger come through the same Yarra Valley race, both settling rearward and running on well on that occasion. He’s A Tiger was only getting warm late and races like he’ll appreciate every step of 2200-metres. Hardest to beat. Each way chances to Cool King, who disappointed as favourite last start, and Just Explosive, who crossed the line with He’s A Tiger a fortnight ago.
Peaceful Protest couldn’t get warm over a mile first-up last time in but improved sharply when beyond 2000-metres second-up. He gets straight to that trip today and his recent jumpout suggests a forward showing is on the cards. It’s a big ask to win here first-up, but no surprise to see him around the mark. Each way claims.
Currently, Peaceful Protest is a $15 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 2 – King Alla
Jockey – Yoshi Kamomiya
2218m – Barrier 7
Staying prospect King Alla is second-up and fitter when quickly to 2200-metres this afternoon. The gelded son of Crackerjack King found 1700-metres too short when resuming at Warrnambool a fortnight ago, turning a mile back on a leader’s track before only getting warm through the line. Japanese rider Yoshi Kamomiya leaves from towards the outside today and will drift back in the early parts, settling near the tail throughout before looking to finish off late in the piece.
The battle for the front could be a case of whoever jumps best will lead, with no noted leaders engaged here. Thundering Falcon may be the one to cart them around, having jumped well before finding cover at Yarra Valley last time out. He was caught a little flat-footed when the sprint when on there but finished off well in the last 100-metres. Will be in this for a long way. Just Explosive and He’s A Tiger come through the same Yarra Valley race, both settling rearward and running on well on that occasion. He’s A Tiger was only getting warm late and races like he’ll appreciate every step of 2200-metres. Hardest to beat. Each way chances to Cool King, who disappointed as favourite last start, and Just Explosive, who crossed the line with He’s A Tiger a fortnight ago. Stablemate Peaceful Protest a top four hope first-up.
King Alla will appreciate the extra distance on offer today, able to keep in touch with the field off the predicted slow tempo. A sit-sprint affair won’t be to his advantage, but if they get going early enough, he can wind up and pass a few in the run home. Look for his best work late.
Currently, King Alla is a $101 chance in the market.