Ballarat
Race 1 – Petroula
Jockey – John Allen
1000m – Barrier 8
Three-year-old filly Petroula returns to the races today, almost four weeks after a solid effort when third at Edenhope. The daughter of Magna Grecia was pestered in the lead on that occasion, battling on gamely in the closing stages, while the pest dropped out to be beaten a big margin at the tail. Back to 1000-metres today, jockey John Allen can let his filly find her feet from the chute start, likely to settle just behind the leaders heading into the home bend.
The speed will be on from the outset here, with Rock Glory to go fast from towards the outside, while expect Brazen Diva and Cincincity to punch through from nearer the inside and challenge for the top. Bazaball rewarded has been good at all four runs this preparation, held up at a key stage last start before running on into third position. She should get every chance in behind the speed from gate one and could have the last shot at them. One of the main chances. Brazen Diva has placed in all three career starts, and comes here off a short freshen-up. She’ll get every chance from the front and will take catching; you can leave me out at the price though. Each way chances to Cincincity, who has jumped out well for her return, and Coco Pop, who gets blinkers third-up. Even affair.
Petroula hits this third-up today, following solid efforts at both runs this campaign. The outside gate is of little consequence from the chute start, where she can settle in behind the speed and present to run on in the home straight. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Petroula is a $14 chance in the market.
Ballarat
Race 7 – Chasing Aphrodite
Jockey – Harry Coffey
2000m – Barrier 3
Six-year-old galloper Chasing Aphrodite is second-up and fitter when he gets out to 2000-metres at his new home track this afternoon. The ex-European was sound at his Australian debut a fortnight ago, awkwardly away before recovering to finish within three lengths of the winner in a positive indication that he’ll appreciate more ground today. Jockey Harry Coffey leaves from gate three and can let his horse roll on the early parts, able to find a forward position heading into the back straight.
Not a great deal of speed to contend with, perhaps Soul Of Spain can roll across from the outset, while no surprise to see Desperado use a low draw to kick-up and hold a prominent position in the run. Alma Rise comes here on the back of a solid effort at a mile in Group-3 company four weeks ago. She’s unbeaten at both previous second-up runs and is three from three at 2000-metres. Back in grade and the on to beat. Outside of her it looks an even affair. Concede each way claims to Soul Of Spain, who is having his second local start, and Sing For Peace, who has trialled well enough and can pull out a run fresh. No surprise to see St Vincents Garden run well in his Australian debut.
Chasing Aphrodite is suited out in trip today and should be able to settle forward with a clean getaway. Harry Coffey knows the horse after riding him at the trials, and if he can pinch some cheap sectionals midrace, will have a kick left in the locker for the home straight. Each way claims.
Currently, Chasing Aphrodite is a $26 chance in the market.
Warwick Farm
Race 6 – Wuddzz
Jockey – Kerrin McEvoy
2200m – Barrier 3
Seven-year-old galloper Wuddzz heads north of the river for a second-up run out to 2200-metres. The gelded son of Complacent was good on top of the ground when resuming at Ballarat four weeks ago, and gets conditions to suit today after solid rain in Sydney in over the past week. Jockey Kerrin McEvoy rides at just 54kg, looking to settle in the first half of the field on settling, turning for home with an advantage on a few of his main rivals.
Not a great deal of speed on paper, with Father’s Day the most likely leader from towards the outside, while no surprise to see Mistressofillusion and Marama thereabouts when runners find their order. Be Real has stepped out in Group-3 company in both runs this preparation, sound on both occasions when not enjoying the best of luck in transit. First go at this distance but will relish the sting out of the track. She’ll be charging late and looks the one to beat. Marama is making her Australian debut and has been well-supported in the market. No surprise to see a strong showing here. Nothing between Decadent Tale and Mistressofillusion last start, both with each way claims. Lincoln Rocks next best.
Wuddzz can enjoy a lovely trail one or two pairs back today, looking to get out and rolling before the home bend. He’s fitter for his first-up run and will enjoy the cut out of the ground here. No weight on his back, must be considered and each way chance.
Currently, Wuddzz is a $23 chance in the market.