Penola
Race 1 – Ms Hubble
Jockey – Alysha Warren
1400m – Barrier 3
Three-year-old filly Ms Hubble crosses the border third-up and out to 1400-metres this afternoon. The daughter of Deep Field has been okay at both runs this preparation, settling back and making late ground on both occasions, unlucky not to finish closer at Avoca last timeout. Apprentice hoop Alysha Warren leaves from gate three today and will look to settle midfield or better, with Penola usually lending itself to those up near the speed turning for home.
Super Lad has drawn wide and will look to roll across to the front from the outset, while expect Eagle Moon and French Love to press forward and hold prominent positions throughout. Super Lad has been placed in all four runs this campaign, never more than a length from the winner. First go beyond 1200-metres today and does content with a wide gate. Looks the one to beat, but couldn’t play at the current price. Eagle Moon improved sharply second-up when sent forward out to this distance. Draws to get a soft trail behind the favourite, any further improvement sees him in with an each way chance. So too Shaykhlislamova, who gets blinkers third-up, and Tofino, though suspect he wants far more ground.
Ms Hubble strikes a weak event here, but does need to jump on terms to give herself every chance in the run home. She can finish over the top of them if close enough on the bend.
Currently, Ms Hubble is a $7 chance in the market.
Penola
Race 2 – Three Reel Roses
Jockey – Alysha Warren
2000m – Barrier 1
Highland Reel filly Three Reel Roses rises quickly to 2000-metres second-up at Penola this afternoon. The three-year-old galloper beat just one runner home first-up at Ballarat four weeks ago, finding them too sharp at 1400-metres, and has been to the jumpouts in the interim. Jockey Alysha Warren leaves from the inside alley and will look to hold her position in the front half of the field early, turning for home within reach of the leaders.
Henry’s Faith will roll forward from an wide gate and look to find the top on settling, while expect Always Bold to boot through from nearer the inside, and no surprise to see Carashan Chloe put herself in the picture from the extreme outside. This galloper has been runner-up in two of three runs this preparation, on the quick back-up from a half-length defeat at Balaklava on Wednesday. This is her twenty-first go, but in a moderate race she does look the one to beat. Each way chances to Son Of Vadamos, who’s best runs have been around this distance, and Wyndinthewillows, who travels across the border in search of a race like this. Hard to enthuse others.
Three Reel Roses will appreciate the steadier tempo out to this distance today, able to stay in touch and make an impact in the home straight. Not much to be scared of here, strong each way claims.
Currently, Three Reel Roses is an $11 chance in the market.