Avoca
Race 2 – Ms Hubble
Jockey – Jack Hill
1300m – Barrier 2
Deep Field filly Ms Hubble is second-up and fitter when she heads to Avoca this afternoon. The three-year-old galloper was sound from the back when fresh at Swan Hill a fortnight ago, turning a long way from the leaders after drawing wide and settling at the tail. Jockey Jack Hill draws ideally in gate two today and can be positive from the outset, looking to land one or two pairs back with cover before challenging late in the piece.
Star Of Tennyson will look to roll across from a wide gates in the early stages, while any number of runners could punch through from nearer the rail in what looks a busy start to the race. Share The Pennies and Wats Normal debuted in the same race at Warrnambool last October, finishing alongside each other towards the back of the field. Both went on to run soundly before finding the paddock, and both resume today. Thought the jumpout of Share The Pennies was better than her rival, but expect both to be thereabouts in the finish. Where to look from here? Kanobba has jumped out soundly for her debut here, while Eight Under won a jumpout here three weeks ago. Both with minor claims.
Ms Hubble comes here better for her first-up effort and can land closer to the speed from a low draw. If she can be in the first few turning for home today, she can keep kicking and fight out the finish. Each way claims in a race that falls away quickly.
Currently, Ms Hubble is a $7 chance in the market.
Avoca
Race 5 – Off The Deep End
Jockey – Jack Hill
1860m – Barrier 3
Five-year-old mare Off The Deep End is up in trip when she steps beyond 1800-metres at Avoca this afternoon. The daughter of Deep Field has been runner-up at her past two outings, falling just short at her latest when she never gave up the chase in better company at Ballarat. Jockey Jack Hill stays on today and can let his mare stride early, able to land on or just behind the speed in the early stages.
The race to the back straight looks genuine enough, with Mummsie and Mangione to roll across from their outside draws, while expect Dubai Legend and Digari to punch through from nearer the rail. This isn’t strong. Digari was a tough Maiden winner two back before perhaps not handling soft ground at Kyneton last time out. Expect him to be better back on top of the ground today, one of the main chances. Dubai Legend has placed his past couple, albeit in weaker company. Minor claims. So too Flood And Fire, who can come to hand quickly, though has been out a long time. Really not sure where else to look in this.
Off The Deep End has a golden opportunity to turn good performances into a deserved win today. She should land in an ideal position in the run and can prove too good late. Strong claims.
Currently, Off The Deep End is a $2.30 chance in the market.