Bendigo
Race 3 – Aurora Rise
Jockey – Declan Bates
1300m – Barrier 10
New-season three-year-old Aurora Rise makes her racetrack debut at Bendigo this afternoon. The daughter of The Autumn Sun has a pair of jumpouts to her name this preparation, the latest a sound effort when caught in deteriorating ground in the run home but still finding the line nicely at Murtoa. Jockey Declan Bates leaves from towards the outside today and will let his filly find her feet in the second half of the field, looking to work to the line in a nod for further next start.
Sussex Duchess is the likely leader from a middle draw, while expect Capital Grace to roll forward from further out and Areaan to use the inside alley to hold its spot heading into the turn. Sussex Duchess can count herself unlucky to still be in maiden grade following a difficult watch at Geelong last start. She was held up until the closing stages there before making a late charge and not arriving in time. With even luck today she’s the one to beat in this. Lack Of Restraint has struck heavy tracks at all three starts this campaign and can improve on firmer footing today. Each way claims. So too Lots Of Time, who gets winkers second-up, and Areaan, who has won a jumpout since a sound first-up effort five weeks ago.
Aurora Rise makes her debut on a lovely surface today, able to receive a soft run throughout before passing a few late. She’ll improve over more ground and with today’s experience under her belt. Look for her to be warming up late.
Currently, Aurora Rise is a $41 chance in the market.
Bendigo
Race 8 – Sawbay
Jockey – Declan Bates
1300m – Barrier 14
Five-year-old mare Sawbay returns from a lengthy spell over 1300-metres at Bendigo this afternoon. The daughter of Ghibellines was last seen at the races as a beaten favourite at Murray Bridge in January, presenting with clear excuses post-race before immediately tipped out. Declan Bates takes the ride upon her resumption today, able to find cover in the second half of the field from a wide gate before finding the line in a fitness builder for next start.
Boulder Jack will jump fast and look to cross to the lead from a wide gate, while expect Southern Fire and Chest Of Gold to kick-up underneath that runner and hold forward positions heading into the home bend. The Bantam draws for a soft trail just in behind the speed, coming here second-up following a sound effort in stronger grade behind Charcoals. That galloper has form around city winners Salsa Fellow and Behaviour. Better for the first-up run, The Bantam looks hardest to beat. Bit Of Shoosh was a big maiden winner on debut last preparation and resumes on the back of a jumpout win today. Each way claims. So too Oak Park Rebel, who comes back from Saturday grade at Flemington, and Chest Of Gold, who mixed with some handy types in his debut campaign.
Sawbay will improve on whatever she does today, fitter for the run and better over further next time. She’ll be in the second half of the field and looking to pass a few late.
Currently, Sawbay is a $41 chance in the market.