Today I’m riding at Bendigo where it’s a metropolitan meeting. The rail is out 9 metres and the track is rated in the good range.
Race 2 is the TAC Be Races Ready BM78 Handicap over 2200 metres, my ride here is MASTER SHUHOOD (IRE) who is trained by Chris Waller. This imported six-year-old gelding by Tamayuz has had 32 starts for a record of five wins and nine placings. He is a very fit horse who is deep into his racing preparation and drops back in distance from 2500 metres last start. This is a small but competitive field and if he runs up to his best form he will be one of the main chances.
Race 3 is the Rankins Catering BM70 Handicap over 1500 metres, my ride here is BACCHUS who is trained by Chris Waller. This four-year-old gelding by Pierro runs in the colours of Ingham Racing. He’s had 18 starts with a record of two wins and six minor placings. I rode him in both of his wins which came last preparation over 1600 metres. I rode him first up this preparation and he comes into this race a fit horse having had four runs this campaign. I rode him at his most recent start at this course over 1600 metres where we finished third in BM64 grade. He is dropping back 100 metres in distance today, will start from a low barrier and is racing up in grade but drops in weight from last start. Even though it is a small field there does look to be a lot of pressure on paper which should suit my horse and he looks a genuine contender in this.
Race 7 is the Two Sisters Catering Fillies and Mares BM70 Handicap over 1300 metres, my ride here is GOLDIFOX who is trained by Leon & Troy Corstens. This five-year-old mare by Foxwedge is raced by Bennett Racing and partners. She’s had 19 race starts for a record of two wins and five minor placings and is a Flemington winner in this grade of race. She’s had one start this preparation where she closed off really well from back in the field over 1200 metres to finish fourth and 2.45 lengths from the winner. From her four attempts second-up she has a record of two wins and a second placing and she seems to race well early in her preparation. I’m looking forward to having my first ride on her and she looks well placed here to add to her consistent second up record.
Race 8 is the Silk Day Spa BM70 Handicap over 1100 metres, my ride here is KING LOUIS (NZ) who is trained by Simon Morrish. This five-year-old gelding by Equiano stared his career racing in New Zealand before being imported to Australia last year. Since arriving to Australia he hasn’t recaptured his best NZ form that saw him a Group 3 winner over 1200 metres at Ellerslie. He has the blinkers added to his head gear today and comes into his first up run with a solid jumpout effort at Burrumbeet under his belt where he won nicely. If he finds his best New Zealand form he can be competitive in this.