We’re back at Cranbourne again this Friday night with a nice eight race card to be run under lights. It looks like we’ll be racing on a good 4 and the rail will be in the true position.
RACE 1 – 6:15PM AEDT
We kick off the program with a Maiden Plate over the mile. Choquant has been luckless in both starts this preparation. He was held up for a long way in the straight when resuming and only got out when it was all over. Last start he looked to be getting a great run before the leader carted him off the track, resulting in him losing considerable ground. He still managed to pick himself up and storm home to run second.
Ethan Brown will take the mount. He’s in great form and should give him every chance from barrier 4.
Suggested Bet: 2 units – Choquant
RACE 2 – 6:45PM AEDT
Michael Kent and Ethan Brown team up again, this time with Alluring Rebel. I thought he was terrific on debut at Mornington a fortnight ago. He was always wide without cover and was only run down in the final 50m. He should take plenty of benefit from the run and with a touch of luck from the awkward draw, I think he’ll prove hard to beat.
Suggested Bet: 1 unit – Alluring Rebel
RACE 3 – 7:15PM
Lavish Thinker resumes over 1400m. The Phillip Stokes trained gelding, was very good on debut over this trip. Despite being very green he was strong to the line and just missed in a bob of the heads. He stepped out to the mile last time, again he was the runner up but it looked as though he just struggled to fully let down in the heavy going. He’s had two jump out’s in preparation for his return and the latest over 1000m at Pakenham, he worked nicely to the line.
Suggested Bet: 1 unit – Lavish Thinker
RACE 4 – 7:45PM
Dancinginthedark was very good here on debut a fortnight ago. She settled midfield and came home hard but the winner was off and gone by the time she’d really got going. That was over 1500m so 1400m will be no trouble for her and there’s no doubt she’ll take benefit from that first outing. Ethan Brown will again take the ride for Michael Kent and it looks like a could be a very fruitful night for the pair.
Suggested Bet: 1 unit – Dancinginthedark
RACE 5 – 8:15PM
Starden Lass will represent the Maher / Eustace team. She hasn’t raced for seven weeks and does race well fresh. She was scratched behind the barriers two weeks ago and has since had a nice 800m jump out where she was solid to the line. She was always wide last time at Moonee Valley so I’m happy to forgive that run. She’ll jump from barrier 2 and should be afforded every chance.
Suggested Bet: 1 Unit E/W – Starden Lass
RACE 6 – 8:45PM
This is a very open race but I’ve settled on Ancient Egypt. He stepped out over 2040m for the first time last start and although it tends to look as though he didn’t stay the trip, he may have just needed that run. He hails from the Peter Moody yard and I don’t think Moods would run him over this trip again if he thought he couldn’t see it out. The nose roll comes off and he drops back in grade from a Saturday metro BM70, so I think we’ll see a much improved performance from him.
Suggested Bet: 1 unit – Ancient Egypt
RACE 7 – 9:15PM
I’ve been watching Winifer since she joined the Nick Ryan stable. She’s been racing well and Nick has obviously just been trying to get the miles into her legs to get her out over this sort of trip. This is a substantial drop in grade after running in the JRA Trophy and the Bagot Handicap. Whilst she is untried over 3000m her recent runs certainly suggest she’ll be suited here. Tom Prebble will take 3kgs off her back which is always beneficial over these longer trips. It will also be Tom’s first go over the distance but I’m sure he’ll time in right and I think he can get her home.
Suggested Bet: 1 unit – Winifer
RACE 8 – 5:40PM AEDT
The Hayes prepare Hinto Blue. He has been up for quite some time but continues to race well. He had no luck last start when held up for the majority of the straight. He’s yet to finish out of the placings in three starts at this track and has drawn nicely in barrier 2. Celine Gaudrey goes back aboard and will take 1.5kgs off.
Suggested Bet: 1 unit E/W – Hinto Blue
