ID22 preview - Shepparton
The show rolls on.
From Ballarat to Shepparton as ID22 progresses from the middle trip to the sprint trip with six speed runs ready for action on Tuesday evening.
For some, points are in the bank and a couple of fair runs are all that is likely required.
For others, the desperation seeps in already with less points than desired on night one or even a tricky barrier draw throwing a spanner in the works.
Here is how we see night two unfolding.
TROTTERS HEAT FOUR (Race Eight)
JUST BELIEVE led and won at Ballarat and he draws to repeat the dose here.
MAJESTUOSO has the tricky outside front row draw but Kate Gath can likely slide across, sit quietly in the breeze and still run top two. HATCHBACK, PINK GALAHS and POWDERKEG are all first four hopes from handy barriers.
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TROTTERS HEAT FIVE (Race Nine)
QUEEN ELIDA draws one but that could be more poison than prosperous.
VACATION HILL and MUFASA METRO are drawn next door and possess serious early toe. Chris Alford should be able to weave some magic should the queen get crossed but MUFASA METRO is a serious horse when leading and I think he will get the top here at some stage.
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TROTTERS HEAT SIX (Race Ten)
Kiwi superstar BOLT FOR BRILLIANCE stamped his authority on the series on opening night and he looks primed to do the same here, despite a back row gate.
The only query is how hard Tony Herlihy wants to drive this horse, off a setback and travel.
ONE OVER ALL must perform or he's done whilst CHINESE WHISPER was excellent in the heat and ALWAYS READY was superb in the breeze sitting parked against the favourite.
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PACERS HEAT FOUR (Race Five)
I CAST NO SHADOW draws perfect to trail, but who does he trail. MACH DAN is no certainty of leading all the way after being bashed up by EXPENSIVE EGO on night one.
EXPENSIVE EGO is not quick off the arm but if Luke McCarthy can get him there quick enough, I reckon they'll hand up to the big guy.
I CAST NO SHADOW will still give a sight from behind the leader as would MACH DAN.
THE BLACK PRINCE and WOLF STRIDE can make their presence felt but ACT NOW and ZEUSS BROMAC might need to drive for luck after copping poor barriers.
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PACERS HEAT SIX (Race Six)
The next heat dishes up more questions than answers with BEYOND DELIGHT instilled as favourite after a slashing run on night one. I cannot have him as short as he is, however!
SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS will need to be excellent from wide on the front row but he needs points after running sixth at Ballarat. NARUTAC PRINCE is improving all the time and might be the value runner in this.
There are a heap who can make a play at exotics in this very even race.
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PACERS HEAT SIX (Race Seven)
BETTER ECLIPSE gets another opportunity to claim maximum points thanks to landing gate two.
But, HONOLUA BAY was superb at Ballarat and could cross the pole marker as well as BETTER ECLIPSE. He could even park up and win like he did on night one.
MAJESTIC CRUISER will need luck but he will build across the series as the staying tests arise.
Hard to imagine something outside of BETTER ECLIPSE or HONOLUA BAY winning this.
SELECTIONS
Race Five: EXPENSIVE EGO win $3.40
Race Six: NARUTAC PRINCE each way
Race Seven: HONOLUA BAY win $2.30
Race Eight: POWDERKEG place $3
Race Nine: MUFASA METRO win $3.30
Race Ten: ALWAYS READY each way
