Geelong
Race 2 – Dainty Bess
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1726m – Barrier 4
Ex-Japanese galloper Dainty Bess makes his Australian debut at Geelong this afternoon. The four-year-old son of Maurice has a pair of jumpouts to his name this preparation, and straight to 1700-metres will suit for this prospective stayer. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from gate four and can look to hold a forward position throughout, letting his gelding roll in the early parts of the race.
Speed comes from the middle with Big Energy and Tuscaloosa Chief to push forward from the outset, while expect Mallee Maid and Macha to be thereabouts in the run. Skelmorlie will likely settle midfield or worse and be working home late in the event, on the back of two good runs this campaign. She ran fourth at Pakenham last time out, two lengths behind Mollify, who came out and won at Cranbourne on Friday night. That’s strong form for this, hardest to beat. Tuscaloosa Chief didn’t have much luck in the run home at Terang first-up, only clear late and hitting the line nicely at 1400-metres. He finished a length behind Pat’s Bro on that occasion, that horse has won easily since. Each way claims. So too Chaussette, who was sound on debut in the aforementioned Pakenham race, and Macha, who was strong late at Ararat three weeks ago.
Dainty Bess will appreciate the big track today, and straight to this trip is suitable first-up. There’s a bit to learn about him at his local debut, but if he can settle in the run, a top four finish wouldn’t surprise here.
Currently, Dainty Bess is a $14 chance in the market.