Caulfield
Race 8 – Lupine
Jockey – Blaike McDougall
2000m – Barrier 9
Promising stayer Lupine comes back in trip to 2000-metres when he heads to Caulfield this afternoon. The gelded son of Tivaci was keen in the run but still best of the on-pacers at Geelong last start, coming here just ten days between runs and fit for recent racing. Jockey Blaike McDougall leaves from gate nine and will drift back in the early parts, finding cover in the second half of the field before working into the race in the latter stages of the event.
Speed looks okay with Cat Noir to roll across from out wide on the course, while Navy King, Etara and Saxon Beauty won’t be far away heading along the back straight. Aztec State has been good at both runs this preparation, going down narrowly to Chihuly last time out. That galloper was runner-up behind Berkley Square last weekend, that’s good form for this. Third-up and fitter today, looks the one to beat. Cat Noir has shown good fight to kick and win at her past couple, and wasn’t far off Quickster the start prior. Has the job ahead from a wide draw, but will be right there with a furlong to run. Steel Run’s debut win over a mile was impressive, doing his best work in the closing stages of the race. Quickly to this trip but looks like he wants it. Can’t be ignored. Each way claims to Etara, who will get every chance from up on speed.
Lupine will have the chance to settle back in the field today and work through the line late. He may be too far off them to seriously challenge in the latter part of the race, but look for him to be picking up in the home straight.
Currently, Lupine is a $31 chance in the market.
Morphettville
Race 9 – Prairie Flower
Jockey – Maggie Collett
1200m – Barrier 11
In-form mare Prairie Flower returns to her favourite track this afternoon in Adelaide. The daughter of Star Turn has won four of nine at Morphettville – three from six at 1200-metres – including a thrilling last-to-first win here three weeks ago. Apprentice jockey Maggie Collett claims 2kg and will drift back again from a wide gate, looking to pinch runs through the field in the home straight.
Speed is good with All Beans and Fancify to roll forward from the outside, while Costless and Starlite Valley can punch through from the centre and challenge for the top early. Losesomewinmore was a strong winner on the Parks Track first-up and draws for a soft run off-speed today. He’s twice a winner from three starts and looks progressive. Can’t be ignored. Sweetened beat home Costless and Sixteen Reasons (and a host of others here) last time out in a good finish. There doesn’t look to be much between that trio again today. All have place claims. Can make a case for others in an open race.
Prairie Flower is racing as well as ever and the apprentice claim gets her in well at the weights. She’ll need the gaps to come at the right time, and in her current form, she’ll be attacking the line late. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Prairie Flower is a $10 chance in the market.