Geelong
Race 4 – Under Control
Jockey – Michael Dee
1200m – Barrier 1
Four-year-old mare Under Control heads to Geelong this afternoon, first-up since since an unlucky fourth at Kyneton in February. The daughter of Churchill was speared wide on the corner on that occasion, recovering to run on late behind a pair of subsequent winners. Jockey Michael Dee leaves from the inside alley today and can let his galloper roll in the early parts, likely landing better than midfield approaching the home bend.
Terrestrial Light will bounce fast from gate two and land forward in the run, while expect Bjorson and Swift Statement to roll across from out wider and challenge for the top early on. A few with claims. Bjorson has been solid in two career runs to date, both at this track, and gets blinkers applied today. He’s back in trip from 1400-metres but hs race fitness on a couple of main rivals. Strong claims. Pomah wasn’t far away in some handy maidens last time in and resumes here on the back of a soft Flemington jumpout. She’ll receive a soft trail midfield and could have the last crack. Each way claims. So too Galactic Girl, who was a beaten favourite at Moe last start, and Mr Spendedoe, who’s trialled well ahead of his debut today.
Under Control will improve on whatever she does today, better over further and with race fitness on her side. She should find a forward position in the run, how the track is playing will be key to her chances late. Top four hope.
Currently, Under Control is a $17 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 6 – Tupac
Jockey – Michael Dee
2400m – Barrier 10
Five-year-old galloper Tupac comes back in grade when he steps out to 2400-metres at Geelong this afternoon. The gelded son of Shamus Award improved at Mildura last time out when quickly to 2000-metres and today’s rise in trip looks ideal at his fourth run in this preparation. Jockey Michael Dee leaves from towards the outside and can use the first half of the program to decide whether he rolls forward or drifts back and runs on late.
Speed is drawn out wide with the runners either side of Tupac, Winston and Batoka Chief, the likely leaders, while Thunderbolt Way can press forward from the centre and hold a forward position on settling. This galloper won his maiden by a space on heavy ground in June and won again at this track/trip last start. If there’s any hint of an on-speed bias he shapes as the one to beat. Amawasha comes here fitter for three runs this preparation and could be ready to improve here. He wasn’t far away in heavy going last start, each way claims today. So too Power Pivot, who ran on well to finish second behind Thunderbolt Way last start, and Winston, who was third behind that pair.
Tupac missed at his only heavy track start, however that was over 1500-metres and in stronger company than he meets today. He’ll be ridden to suit the conditions, no surprise to see him around the mark at this distance.
Currently, Tupac is a $10 chance in the market.