Aston Rupee confirmed his position to the top of the markets for the 2021 Melbourne Cup with a slashing come from behind win at Sandown Park last night. The Glenn Rounds trained son of Kc And All was only fair to begin from his middle draw and looked in real trouble at the winning post the first time being back 5th and smothered up in the middle of dogs. At same time his main opposition, exciting youngster Koblenz, had found the lead after running a fast 5.05 first split. Aston Rupee negotiated the first turn brilliantly to go into the back straight in fourth place, he then was able to rail into second place off the back and set off after Koblenz. Shifting across the leaders heels as they turned for home, Aston Rupee proved too strong in the run to the line, scoring by a length in a very fast 29.215, clearly the fastest time of the night. The clash lived up to everything it promised to be and it would not surprise if these two dogs were to fight out a number of group races in the next six months.
Three heats of the Molly Campbell Silver Dollars were run at Albion Park last night, all resulting in the favourites going down, including the boom dog Indictment. Despite only finishing third, Indictment would have lost few admirers from his efforts, storming home after suffering severe interference at the first turn. Fastest heat winner was Showdown, who defeated his more favoured kennelmate Strategise, in 30.05, providing trainer Jedda Cutluck with her first city winner as a trainer. Let us see if we can help fill the pockets of punters for the weekend with some winners for tonight’s racing across the country.
Richmond Race 1 No 6 Forgive Me $4.20 at PlayUp – Looked good here last start leading all the way to record a very comfortable victory in nice time. That was just her start over 500 metres and she will continue to improve we have no doubt. This race looks no harder than last week, so we are expecting a repeat performance.
Bendigo Race 3 No 2 Code Cracker $1.55 at PlayUp – Made his debut last Sunday at Ballarat, and what a debut it was. Beginning well from his box eight draw, he sped to the front and careered away to record a stunning 9 length victory in a fast 22.03. Only 18 months old, this John Barbara trained dog has a huge future and it is hard to see him being beaten tonight. He is clearly our best of the night, so put him in all your multi bets.
Bendigo Race 5 No 7 Rack City $2.50 at PlayUp – After a first up third at Healesville, this fellow put in a super run here last week when finishing second from box 5. A slow start cost him last week, so we are hoping he begins better tonight. With a clear passage we are expecting him to record a comfortable victory in this event.
Ballarat Race 10 No 5 Overshadowed $2.90 at PlayUp – After back to back wins at Shepparton and Geelong, both in good times, this dog suffered a fall at this track two weeks back. He is in astute hands, so no doubt the dog has trialled well since and is fit and ready to go. We think he is over the odds because of the fall. Yes.
Richmond Race 8 No 3 Ziggy Star $3.70 at PlayUp – Trained by the ‘million dollar man”, Peter Lagogiane, this girl was caught wide all the way last start here from her wide draw when finishing a close up fourth. Tonight she is drawn to lead from her much more favourable draw. When in front on the lure she is a much better dog. She has the speed to set up a big lead by half way, and given last week was her first run beyond 600 metres, her strength will be improved and she will hold them all at bay.
