Geelong
Race 3 – Aurora Rise
Jockey – Harry Coffey
1755m – Barrier 7
Talented filly Aurora Rise is second-up and fitter when she heads to Geelong this afternoon. The three-year-old daughter of The Autumn Sun found the line nicely first-up at Cranbourne a fortnight ago, runner-up over 1400-metres and giving every indication she’s looking for the extra ground today. Jockey Harry Coffey leaves from gate seven of eleven, able to let his filly find her feet in the the early parts before looking to run on in the home straight.
Speed comes from the inside with Colizzi and Good Lordy Me likely to lead the field into the back straight, while expect Zinovation and Pete The Prophet to find soft trails tucked in just behind. Good Lordy Me presents as the obvious danger here, placing at his past four and starting favourite on two of those occasions. He should get a nice time of it out in front and prove hard to run down late. Carolina Rose ran on well first-up before a sound effort at Pakenham last time out. Up to this trip suits, each way claims. So too Pete The Prophet, who hits this fitter third-up from a spell, and Sea Danger, who will be running on late.
Aurora Rise is quickly to this distance second-up but her fresh effort suggests she’ll relish the rise in trip. Harry can let her settle throughout and give her every chance to wind up and finish hard in the hoe straight. Strong claims.
Currently, Aurora Rise is a $2.80 chance in the market.
Geelong
Race 3 – Carolina Rose
Jockey – Beau Mertens
1755m – Barrier 6
Three-year-old filly Carolina Rose gets out in trip third-up at Geelong this afternoon. The daughter of I Am Invincible closed strongly at Colac first-up before having the race shape/track bias against her at Pakenham last time out, and looks suited out to this distance today. Jockey Beau Mertens can let his filly settle where comfortable from a middle gate here, likely midfield with cover before looking to run on in the home straight.
Speed comes from the inside with Colizzi and Good Lordy Me likely to lead the field into the back straight, while expect Zinovation and Pete The Prophet to find soft trails tucked in just behind. Dwyer stablemate Aurora Rise could be the one to beat here, quickly to this trip after a sound closing effort when runner-up at Cranbourne on resumption. She’ll settle somewhere off the speed and be working home late. Hardest to beat. Good Lordy Me has placed at his past four outings, starting favourite on two of those occasions. He should get a nice time of it out in front and prove hard to run down late. Each way claims. So too Pete The Prophet, who hits this fitter third-up from a spell, and Sea Danger, who will be running on late.
Carolina Rose comes here fitter for two runs this preparation and likely to relish the rise in trip today. She should receive a soft run just off the speed and have her chance to run on late. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Carolina Rose is a $9 chance in the market.
Hanging Rock
Race 6 – Friday At Five
Jockey – Sarah Field
1800m – Barrier 7
Seven-year-old mare Friday At Five returns to the Country Cups scene today, four weeks since an unlucky runner-up effort at Burrumbeet on New Year’s Day. The daughter of Zoustar was beaten the barest of margins on that occasion, held up and shuffled back to last turning for home before charging late to just miss. Jockey Sarah Field stays on today and will need luck from barrier seven of eight to find a position midfield with cover, looking to run on and get over the top late.
Speed comes from towards the inside with Feargal and Gift Of Oratory likely to lead the field throughout, while Friday At Five, Altruist and His Finest Hour will all be looking to find trailing positions passing the post for the first time. Feargal has been runner-up at his past two starts, bumping into Brung King on both occasions after leading at a solid tempo. Expect him to do the same again today and prove hard to run down late. One of the main chances. His Finest Hour won well at Wangaratta three starts back before a pair of runner-up efforts at Flemington. That’s good form for this, look for him to be closing hard late. Strong claims. Gift Of Oratory next best.
Friday At Five won this race two years back and was runner-up behind an all-the-way winner in last year’s edition. She’ll need even luck to find her position in the early parts but clearly enjoys racing at the track. Strong chance to reclaim her crown.
Currently, Friday At Five is a $4.60 chance in the market.