Murtoa
Race 6 – Three Reel Roses
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2050m – Barrier 2
Five-year-old mare Three Reel Roses returns to the races today, exactly one month since her last start victory at Moe. The daughter of Highland Reel was solid in a strong form race at Bendigo the start prior, backing-up that effort with a deserved second career win in heavy going. Today’s transfer to Murtoa sees her back in trip to 2050-metres, jockey Mitch Aitken to be positive from a good draw, able to travel near the speed throughout before looing to finish off late.
A few will roll forward here with The Stock Route to come across from towards the outside, while expect Wimmera Star, Digari and Kamarooka to be thereabouts on settling. Wimmera Star has gone close at his past couple, runner-up at Mount Gambier over this trip last start when seemingly given every chance from a forward position. He draws for the right run again, one of the main chances. Fonn Power won over a mile at Murtoa two back before finding only one better out to 2000-metres at Mildura a fortnight ago. A similar effort sees him around the mark again. Each way chances to Ate Iron and The Victorious, both coming off last start maiden victories.
Three Reel Roses isn’t favoured by the drop back in distance today but simply needs the run to keep her preparation ticking along. She’ll look to land on-speed and ensure a solid tempo throughout. Each way claims.
Currently, Three Reel Roses is a $6.50 chance in the market.
Murtoa
Race 8 – Miss Ellaneous
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1200m – Barrier 2
Four-year-old mare Miss Ellaneous returns to the races this afternoon, almost two months since fading in stronger company at Bendigo in June. The daughter of Brazen Beau had been racing well prior to that run, her effort behind Cruiserweight at Swan Hill reading particularly well in the form guide subsequently. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from a low draw today and needs to begin cleanly to hold a position, wanting to avoid being cluttered up turning into the short Murtoa home straight.
Not a great deal of early speed to speak of, expecting Highland George to go fast from the centre of the line, while Summer Night may elect to roll across from the extreme outside to challenge for the top heading into the home bend. Moderate affair. Bakersbend hits this second-up on the back of a solid return at Mildura, his first run since November last year. He’ll no doubt be better for that outing and any improvement has him in the mix here. Each way claims. So too Powering Away, who was strong late at Donald to claim his maiden win six weeks ago, and Cosmic Charger, who’s third-up and ready to improve.
Miss Ellaneous comes here fresh off a short break and back in grade from her past couple of starts. If she can begin cleanly and hold a forward position throughout, she can figure in the finish. Each way claims.
Currently, Miss Ellaneous is a $3.80 chance in the market.