Flemington
Race 9 – Salsa Fellow
Jockey – Declan Bates
1100m – Barrier 1
In-form galloper Salsa Fellow is aiming at four wins on the bounce hen he returns to Headquarters this afternoon. The gelded son of Blue Point was an eye-catching winner at this track and trip a fortnight ago, held up until the 150-metre mark before bursting through a gap to score in the final bounds. Jockey Declan Bates maintains the ride today and will be tucked away back in the field again from the inside alley, needing luck at the right time to get out and chasing.
Speed is good with Bold Bastille and Bridal Waltz to roll forward from towards the inside, while expect Fieldelo, Scampi and Savagery Vibe to all settle handy from further out. Bridal Waltz was two-and-a-half lengths away from Cleo Cat when third in Stakes grade in Adelaide six weeks ago, that galloper then pushed Niance to under a length in the Bel Esprit at Caulfield. That’s strong form for this, one of the main chances. Fieldelo was an impressive winner at Bendigo last start, putting seven lengths on her rivals there when eased up late. Big jump to this grade but clearly has ability. Strong claims. She’s An Artist toyed with her Maiden rivals on debut, while Bold Bastille is first-up and won’t know herself out of Group/Listed level. Both with each way claims.
You’d think Salsa Fellow has his rivals from last start covered, but does have a few new commodities to face here. He’ll get a similar passage to a fortnight ago; when and where the runs appear will be key to his chances. Must be considered a strong each way chance.
Currently, Salsa Fellow is a $6 chance in the market.
Donald
Race 5 – Presagio
Jockey – Jack Hill
1628m – Barrier 8
Comeback galloper Presagio is second-up and fitter when he gets out to a mile at Donald this afternoon. The gelded son of Harbinger led and offered little in the closing stages when first-up from a long spell at Bendigo five weeks ago, but has jumped out well in the interim and a better showing is expected today. Jockey Jack Hill leaves from towards the outside and can be positive in the early parts, looking to land outside or on the speed heading into the back straight.
Explosive Weather from the inside is the only other obvious speed in the race, likely to use the draw to kick-up and hold the front from the outset. High Tempo is clearly the horse to beat following a luckless run when second at Echuca last start. She was strong once clear and the race was over and you can argue would’ve won the event. Hard to knock off if she can stay out of trouble here. Of the rest, Cliste was sound on debut in a moderate affair, while Omamori can improve if he settles closer to the speed. Both with each way claims. Others would surprise.
Presagio should get every chance from up near the speed and stay in this for longer. Aside from the obvious danger, there’s not too many to fear here. Each way claims.
Currently, Presagio is a $21 chance in the market.
Donald
Race 6 – Moscow Red
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1628m – Barrier 4
Eleven-year-old marvel Moscow Red finds wet ground over a mile at Donald this afternoon. The daughter of Road To Rock finished off well at Sale last start to run into the placings in a race run at a very slow tempo, and is ready to peak at her fifth outing this campaign. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves rom a soft draw and can drift back with cover in the early parts, able to work into the race on the home bend and set out after the leaders on straightening.
Speed comes across from out wide with Squander and Palentine’s Day to look for the top early, while expect Morthan Efficient and Whiskey Hangover to be thereabouts on settling. Morthan Efficient has een good at two Synthetic starts this preparation, breaking through in Maiden grade at his latest. One of the main chances if he can convert to grass. Itwasonlyakiss will be back with Moscow Red throughout and can hit the line late, query on wet ground though. Each way claims. So too Koyuga Breeze, who was narrowly beaten last start, and Designs Of Eight, who gets blinkers for the first time.
Moscow Red should get conditions to suit this afternoon and will be hoping for a solidly-run affair. If the skip along in front, she’ll have them well in her sights in the run home. Strong claims.
Currently, Moscow Red is a $9 chance in the market.