Round One Trotters Heat Winner Tornado Valley Photo by Ashlea Brennan Photography
NIGHT TWO - BALLARAT TUESDAY
PACERS: HEAT ONE
An exciting heat is on show here with polemarker Wrappers Delight looking to take up his favourite role as pacemaker, Going on his respectable 10.2 metre fifth after racing wide in the final circuit behind Spankem on Saturday gives him an excellent chance. In saying that, San Carlo (6) was terrific when a neck second behind all the way victor Galactic Star on Saturday after breezing for the last lap. Tiger Tara (12) ran his usual honest race when flying home from mid-field to finish third 3.7 metres away in the heat won by Spankem. The draw has not been kind, but being the professional racehorse that he is, he won’t be far away. Ellmers Image was well supported when a disappointing 10th behind Galactic Star when mid-field, but from the draw could be placed. Motu Meteor (5) was an eye catching fourth only 4.6 metres away to Galactic Star and has plenty of gate speed so must be included for the placings. Maximan (8) a surprise placegetter in Cruz Bromac’s heat after breezing will get a lovely trip on the back of Wrappers Delight and should be given a place chance along with Our Uncle Sam (10) who was fourth in the same heat off a mid-field passage. My Alpha Rock (11) will find it much harder from the draw than last Saturday when in front. Magical Marn (3) will be suited by the sprint trip, but is probably not up to this class.
HEAT TWO
Im Pats Delight (2) was an excellent second to Spankem on Saturday and gets his chance to earn maximum points here. It will be interesting to see if his can lead as there is plenty of speed out wide with Franco Nelson (4), Im The Boss (5) and Cash N Flow (6) all flyers from the gate and have place chances. Joes Star Of Mia (3) was trapped three wide from the bell in Spankem’s heat, but should receive a nice passage here. Burnaholeinmypocket dropped out the finish eighth (22.3 metres) behind Spankem after trailing the leader My Alpha Rock and would need to improve vastly. Cant Refuse (8) ran a cheeky 5.1 metre fifth to Galactic Star and is a place possibility.
HEAT THREE
Top seed Cruz Bromac (12) despite drawing the extreme outside has to be the one to beat. A dominant all the way winner on Saturday, he looks to have too much quality for his rivals. Numerous place chances will add a little spice to the exotics if you can find one at value. This could come from Ideal Success who from the pole should give a great sight for Kerryn Manning. Audi Hare (2) was a creditable fifth to Cruz Bromac after a cosy four marker trip and loves the short races, could get a similar passage here. John Of Arc gave some cheek in the early stages before dropping out to finish at the tail behind Cruz Bromac. Village Witch (5) failed to run on when sixth to Galactic Star, but may do better here. Mach Doro (6) is likely to burn across the field at the start and may attempt an all the way victory. Mattgregor (7) raced wide when seventh to Spankem and will probably have to do the same here. Yayas Hot Spot (8) should get a cosy passage from inside the second line and is a place possibility. Conviction (10) finished sixth to Cruz Bromac from five back the markers and is another with rough place hopes.
TROTTERS: HEAT ONE
Maori Law (8) was super when second to Speeding Spur on Saturday and drawn behind a slick beginner gets his chance to take full points. Plenty of other chances though headed by Fabrication (1) who should be handy after coming from last to finish a 27.7 metre seventh to Tornado Valley. Sky Petite (2) will appreciate her close in draw and should always be handy. Hard puller Illawong Armstrong (3) gets her chance to lead over the short trip and could easily be there at the finish. Big Jack Hammer (5) is well in the mix after running home ok for fourth 20.7 metres back from a four back the markers trip behind Tornado Valley. Kowhai Monarch (10) gave some cheek in the early stages, but dropped out to finish eleventh behind Tornado Valley. May do better over the shorter trip. Kyvalley Blur (12) couldn’t get into the race when eighth behind Tornado Valley. Draw terrible but has to be respected.
HEAT TWO
A clash of the titans with Saturday’s leaders Speeding Spur (5) and Tornado Valley (7) doing battle in a tremendous dual. Should they cut at one another, then likely first leader Save Our Pennys (2) should get the run of the race being a knockout chance following his 1.4 metre second to Tornado Valley after trailing. Our Twentyten (1) had his chance (second on markers) when a tiring 18.8 metre seventh behind Speeding Spur. Rompers Monarchy (6) held down third from three back the markers in Speeding Spur’s heat, however the draw has not been kind here. Tough Monarch (10) battled on gamely when third behind Tornado Valley after racing parked from the bell. A good e/w chance should luck go his way. Red Hot Tooth (9) is not racing anywhere near her form of last season and only battled into sixth place behind Speeding Spur after racing wide over the concluding stages. The distance helps and should she settle handy, could improve.
