Bordertown
Race 5 – Rookery Nook
Jockey – Jacob Opperman
2000m – Barrier 9
Four-year-old galloper Rookery Nook rises to 2000-metres when he crosses the border this afternoon. The gelded son of Bivouac was a Ballarat Synthetic Maiden winner three starts back before despising the heavy conditions at Echuca next start, improving back on the Poly last time out and ready for the step up in trip today. Jockey Jacob Opperman leaves from towards the outside here and can roll forward from the outset, looking to land outside or just behind the speed heading into the first bend.
A few will punch forward with Rookery Nook, with Pianta likely to come across from his outside, while Prickly Poppy, Divine Fire and Yorokobi will all look to boot through from nearer the rail. Even affair. Pianta left a subsequent winner behind him when winning at Mount Gambier two back before a sound effort in better company at Warrnambool eight days ago. He’ll need luck from the gate but is going well; one of the main chances. Fuwari finished third behind Pianta at Mount Gambier and draws for a lovely run third-up today. Each way claims. So too Yorokobi and Divine Fire, who have both been racing well of late.
Rookery Nook gets blinkers removed up in trip today and needs to settle in the early parts to give himself an opportunity to finish off his race. He’ll need a touch of luck early to find his position and chances improve as the track continues to dry out. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Rookery Nook is an $11 chance in the market.
Bordertown
Race 6 – Miss Ellaneous
Jockey – Jacob Opperman
1300m – Barrier 7
Four-year-old mare Miss Ellaneous returns to the races today, three weeks since a solid return at Murtoa on heavy ground. The daughter of Brazen Beau was a touch slowly away on that occasion and shuffled back before the bend, held up at a key stage before running on strongly to grab third behind an all-the-way winner. Jockey Jacob Opperman leaves from towards the outside and will look to land somewhere midfield with cover before working into the race on the home bend.
Speed comes from the inside with Victory Queen and Mrs Harris to punch forward from the outset, while expect Full Commitment to roll across from out wider to challenge for the early lead. Switch Hit went close at Geelong two back before just okay at Seymour last time out. Blinkers go back on today and he’s suited down in class. One of the main chances. Impending Diamond was well-beaten by From The Block at Morphettville last start, but finished less than two lengths behind Mansiere, who was runner-up in stronger company on Saturday. That reads well here; each way claims. So too Oie De Toulouse and Tour De Moon, who filled the placings at Strathalbyn last time out.
Miss Ellaneous will want to land closer in the run today, at a track that lends itself to those near the front turning for home. Her best efforts have her giving this a real shake; strong claims.
Currently, Miss Ellaneous is a $3.60 chance in the market.