Ballarat Synthetic
Race 2 – Garnet Bay
Jockey – Declan Bates
1500m – Barrier 4
Embellish filly Garnet Bay comes back to 1500-metres today on the Synthetic surface at Ballarat. The three-year-old galloper ran an improved race at Donald two starts back before somewhat disappointing at Mildura when out to 2000-metres three weeks ago. Declan Bates takes the ride today and can be positive from an ideal gate, looking to land forward in the run with a clean getaway.
Not much speed in this, expecting Ex Machina to use the inside alley to punch through and hold his position early, while Chantra may elect to come across from the extreme outside and challenge for the top heading into the bend. Rivazza leaves from a middle gate and sets up for a soft trail throughout, coming here on the back of a solid placing behind Our Wishbone at Seymour. That galloper has won again in 64-grade, and Rivazza won a jumpout here in the interim. One of the main chances. Chantra ran third on the grass here last start, two lengths behind Swan Hill winner Em Sixty, and won a recent Ararat jumpout in nice style. The outside barrier is no spoil but must be considered an each way chance in this. So too Ex Machina, who draws for every possible, and United Legend, who could be ready to improve fourth-up.
Garnet Bay should get every favour in the run today, providing she steps on terms and puts herself into the race early on. Back in trip will suit and she has jumped out well on the Synthetic here previously. Each way claims.
Currently, Garnet Bay is an $18 chance in the market.