Geelong
Race 1 – Crack A Deel
Jockey – John Allen
1400m – Barrier 4
Two-year-old colt Crack A Deel returns to the races today, three months after a sound debut at this track over 1100-metres. The son of Dundeel found the sprint trip too short but was good through the line, immediately sent to the paddock for a short break. A recent jumpout win suggests he’s returned in terrific order, and straight to 1400-metres looks ideal this afternoon. Jockey John Allen leaves from gate four in a small field and can find cover from the outset, looking to wind up and attack the line late.
Just five runners take their place in this, who leads is anyone’s guess. Signoretti was solid on debut at Ballarat before a good effort when runner-up behind Stay Cosmic at Cranbourne a fortnight ago. That runner went very close at Sandown on Wednesday. Shapes as the one to beat. Doublet comes through the same race, only getting warm late in the piece. Out to this trip should suit, could be working home late. Gable debuted in Listed grade at Moonee Valley and was okay, while Grinzinger Tundra will be better for his first start at Flemington two weeks back. Not much surprises here.
Crack A Deel will improve on whatever he does today, better suited over more ground later in his preparation. He was good in the closing stages of his jumpout and if the race is run with any sort of tempo, he can be threatening late.
Currently, Crack A Deel is a $3.70 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 3 – Turfaction
Jockey – Neil Farley
1100m – Barrier 4
Four-year-old galloper Turfaction resumes at Geelong this afternoon, three months after a somewhat forgetful run at Seymour before a break. The gelded son of Turffontein was caught wide throughout on that occasion, battling on okay in the closing stages behind a smart winner. His recent Ballarat jumpout gives the indication a forward showing could be on the cards today, jockey Neil Farley able to hold a forward position from gate four and give a sight in the home straight.
Speed is okay with Runchickenrun to roll across from the outside, while expect Linkvue and Controlled Zone to push through from their middle gates and look for the top early on. Tricky affair. Linkvue had excuses first-up before an improved effort at Yarra Valley last time out. Third-up and fitter, could take running down. One of the main hopes. Hard to ignore the recent jumpout win of Sedna, who looks forward enough to be competitive on debut. Draws for a lovely run and can show up without surprising. Each way chances to Controlled Zone, who is always around the mark, and Denial, who resumes from a long break.
Turfaction has placed in both career fresh runs to date and does draw to get every chance this afternoon. He was solid in a good form race when first-up last time, a similar effort sees him go close today. Each way claims.
Currently, Turfaction is a $20 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 4 – Ozam’s Razor
Jockey – Neil Farley
1300m – Barrier 2
Ocean Park gelding Ozam’s Razor makes his racetrack debut over 1300-metres at Geelong this afternoon. The three-year-old galloper has a pair of recent Ballarat jumpouts under his belt in preparation for today, where he will receive a soft trail from an inside gate. Jockey Neil Farley can let his galloper find his feet early, before looking to run through the line late in the piece.
Speed comes from the outside with Heavenfield to roll across in the early parts, while expect Russian Escape and Forest Jim to use their low draws to punch forward from the outset. Russian Escape had only the one start last preparation, a solid effort in a good form race at Bendigo over this distance. He’s had several recent jumpouts and no surprise to see him in the finish first-up. One of the main contenders. French Savoy was very good on debut at Ararat before an okay effort last time out. Fitter again and a repeat of her first-up effort sees her right in this. Each way chances to Fetes Des Meres, who stuck on well from a solid lead pace last start, and Brutify, who has won a jumpout between runs.
Ozam’s Razor will be better for the run today and improve out in distance later in his preparation. His jumpouts have been sound and does draw for a favourable run today. Top four hopes on debut.
Currently, Ozam’s Razor is an $11 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 8 – Governor King
Jockey – Ben Allen
1500m – Barrier 1
Promising galloper Governor King resumes at Geelong today, straight to 1500-metres after a seven months away from the racetrack. The gelded son of Fiorente has jumped out twice in preparation for his return, finding the line nicely at his latest in a positive sign for this afternoon. Jockey Ben Allen leaves from the inside alley and can let his galloper find his feet from the outset, likely to settle in the second half of the field before running on late in the piece.
Speed comes from Mcadam and Son Of Grace in the middle, while Arizona Activist can find their backs and enjoy the run of the race throughout. This galloper ran well in stronger grade last time and looks ready for the rise in trip today. Draws for all the favours and could prove hard to hold out late. One of the main chances. Mcadam led throughout to win his Maiden at Moonee Valley two starts back before runner-up with similar tactics at the same track five weeks ago. He’ll find the top again today and give them all something to chase. Strong claims. Concede an each way chance to Salchow, who is rarely far away.
Governor King will improve from the run today, better over more ground in subsequent starts this preparation. He has the ability to win a race like this, but may have too much to do in the closing stages. Each way claims.
Currently, Governor King is a $7.50 chance in the market.