Money grows on Roy’s Winter Patch
Since being gelded in March Roy’s Winter Patch has made good improvement and it could be a third win for this gelding in Race 6, a MR 74 Handicap over 1400m on the Greyville Polytrack today.
Regular rider Sean Cormack has done well on this Western Winter four-year-old and Roy’s Winter Patch is well suited to this course and distance.
Military Leader was easily seen off by Roy’s Winter Patch last time out and although a five point penalty will make it tougher for trainer Dennis Drier’s charge and he will need to do more to win this.
Nicklaus is holding his form well and was not disgraced when third on this surface in April and has to be respected but is coming off a 122-day break.
A possible banker bet could come in the lucky last with the Sean Tarry-trained Chennai Babe.
This four-year-old filly was going nowhere on the turf but a switch to the Polytrack has seen a revival of form for her.
After being an unlucky loser over 1400m in July she was an easy winner last month over 1600m.
The drop in trip to 1200m may not be ideal but if ridden aggressively it may not be a problem.
Jockey Anthony Delpech does well for the yard and has been entrusted with the ride.
He also gets aboard an interesting Australian import and first-timer in Race 2, Extreme Dubai who is a well-bred Oasis Dream colt.
The line-up he faces looks very modest and Extreme Dubai will not have to be too good to win this race.
Delpech also looks to have winning chances in both races 3 and 4.
His mount in Race 3, Soldier’s Code, was expected to win on debut but disappointed.
Inexperience was clearly his downfall and he is likely to make good improvement.
Alessia, Delpech’s ride in Race 4, has been runner up in her last two starts and looked the likely winner until nailed late by stable companion Lady Lago over this track and trip last month and she is sure to contest the finish but she may struggle to hold off Princess Varunya.
This Australian-bred filly was forced to try and make all from a bad draw last time out and was only nabbed on the post.
A wide draw is a hurdle again but she does deserve a win soon.
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