Ballarat Synthetic
Race 5 – Rookery Nook
Jockey – John Allen
1500m – Barrier 4
Four-year-old galloper Rookery Nook returns to the Ballarat Synthetic today, looking to bounce back from a forget-run in heavy conditions last start. The gelded son of Bivouac won his maiden in strong fashion here two starts back, albeit in moderate company, before not handling the wet at Echuca in stronger grade a fortnight ago. Jockey John Allen leaves from a good draw and can roll forward from the outset, looking to land on or just behind the speed turning for home.
Not a great deal of predicted early speed, expecting Eau De Cologne to punch forward from an inside gate, while Swycho may elect to roll across from the extreme outside to apply some pressure early on. No Greater Vue has been runner-up at two of his past three and hits this hard fit for recent racing. One win from twelve starts the obvious knock but he’ll be running on late. One of the main chances. Queen Beira won a similar race at Pakenham Synthetic two back and went very close here in June. Draws for a soft trail in gate one and could have the last crack. Each way claims. So too Eau De Cologne and Swycho, who should get their chance from near the front.
Rookery Nook looks suited back on firmer footing today and the addition of blinkers is a positive move. He can settle somewhere near the speed and have something to offer in the home straight. Each way claims.
Currently, Rookery Nook is a $17 chance in the market.