Today I’m riding at Sale. The rail is out 4 metres and the track is rated in the soft range.
Race 5 is the Vale Lyndell Bence Two-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1206 metres. My ride here is CARNEROS who is trained by Chris Waller. This colt by Fastnet Rock, raced by Star Thoroughbreds is making his debut today. He has been well educated with the benefit of two official trials in NSW under his belt before having a jumpout at Flemington in preparation for his debut. We will need luck in running from his wide barrier draw and it will be interesting to see how he presents and performs under race conditions.
Race 6 is the DFK Constructions Three-Years-Old Maiden Plate over 1415 metres. My ride here is EL CAMPEON (FR) who is trained by Danny O’Brien. This colt by Teofilo was bred in the Northern Hemisphere and is making his debut today. I’ve seen replays of two of his jumpouts where he has been slow out of the barriers on both occasions before then being keen and awkward in running. It will be my job today to make sure he has a smooth run in transit and has a good first experience. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this French import goes at his first day at the races.
Race 7 is the Centra Powder Coating BM64 Handicap over 1415 metres. My ride here is PLEASE SIR who is trained by Allan & Jason Williams. This three-year-old gelding by Outreach is raced by Price Bloodstock Management. He’s had three starts for a win and second placing with his win coming at his most recent start at Cranbourne, so he comes into this with confidence from that effort. He went forward last start and made all the running on soft ground over 1400 metres so he will be a very fit horse that appreciates rain affected ground. If he runs up to his last start effort he will be very competitive again today.
Race 9 is the Laurels Function Centre BM64 Handicap over 1206 metres. My ride here is TOYETIC who is trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman. This three-year-old gelding by Sebring runs in the colours of Pinecliff Racing. He is lightly raced having had five starts for a record of one win and a second placing. He ran a narrow second on debut as a two-year-old before winning his maiden at Sandown at his next start on heavy ground over 1200 metres. He started favourite in his first three starts, so the stable has always had a good opinion of him. He had one start after his first racing preparation in the Autumn where he was unplaced at Pakenham and had a slow recovery post-race. He races first-up today and comes into this after a solid trial effort at Traralgon. He is a horse that likes soft ground and has won over this distance. If we have luck in running from the wide barrier and he finds his best form he will be too good for these.
Race 10 is the Gippsland Funeral Services BM70 Handicap over 1615 metres. My ride here is SUKOOT (NZ) who is trained by Danny O’Brien. This six-year-old gelding by Savabeel is raced by Uluru Stud. He’s had 30 starts for a record of four wins and 10 placings and is a very consistent galloper. I’ve ridden him a couple of times throughout his career and the last time I rode him we finished third at Flemington in a strong form race. He’s had five runs this preparation so he will be a very fit horse. He has winning form on soft and heavy ground and has winning form over this distance range. If he runs up to his best form he will make his presence felt in this race.