Terang
Race 5 – License To Excite
Jockey – Eoin Walsh
1406m – Barrier 4
Three-year-old filly License To Excite is fourth-up and out in trip when she heads to Terang this afternoon. The daughter of Flying Artie placed at her first two runs back before a sound effort behind an all-the way winner at Kyneton five weeks ago. Up in distance and winkers applied suits; jockey Eoin Walsh able to be positive in the early parts, looking to land on or just behind the speed heading into the bend.
Speed is okay with Daniel Boone and Glowshift to hold their positions from the inside alleys, while expect Royal Ascend and Toy Maker to be thereabouts on settling. Skinny affair. Debutant Glowshift has shown enough at the jumpouts to suggest there’s something there. He draws to land forward in the run and blinkers go on straight away. One of the main chances. Regal Ascend was sound first-up at Moe and rises in trip today. She improved second-up last preparation and has each way claims today. Toy Maker next best in a race that drops away rapidly.
License To Excite needs only to hold her current form to be going close in this. She’ll appreciate the extra ground and draws for the right run throughout. Strong claims.
Currently, License To Excite is a $3.90 chance in the market.
Terang
Race 8 – Blow On The Dice
Jockey – Eoin Walsh
1406m – Barrier 1
Resuming galloper Blow On The Dice is first-up since October when he kicks off at Terang this afternoon. The gelded son of Casino Prince was solid late on debut at Hamilton last preparation, before sent to the paddock on a high following a maiden win at St Arnaud on Cox Plate Day. A pair of jumpouts (no headgear) have been just fair this time in; jockey Eoin Walsh able to find cover midfield or worse from the outset before looking to run on and hit the line late.
Speed is solid with Kastun Star likely to punch through from near the inside to hold the lead early, while expect Kijivu, Diamond War and Eleanor Dumont to roll forward from further out and find prominent positions on settling. Diamond War won a similar event at Horsham two back before not far away in stronger grade last time out. He lumps a big weight here, but any juice left in the track is to his advantage. One of the main chances. Designs Of Eight was a strong first-up winner at Colac a fortnight ago and draws softly in gate two today. She’s a second-up winner in the past, strong claims. Each way chances to Eleanor Dumont and Kastun Star, who have both jumped out well ahead of resuming here.
Blow On The Dice will be more switched on than his jumpouts with blinkers on today, but will need luck from back in the field on the inside. He’ll likely give up a start and be working home late. Look for him through the line.
Currently, Blow On The Dice is a $23 chance in the market.