Sergeant ran a credible fifth at Gosford when fresh and will take plenty of benefit into his second-up run on the Central Coast today. The Helmet gelding immediately stamped himself as a horse to follow when he ran on well to finish a close second on debut at Sale last winter, before making light work of his rivals at his only other second-up run so far; winning by more than three lengths over 1300m. The small step up in trip that he strikes today is ideal and he is drawn beautifully in barrier 3.
Il Bandito did not have conditions to suit at Randwick last time out but will take plenty of benefit from the hit-out into the fifth at Gosford today and strikes a very winnable race. The Time Thief gelding was caught in an early pace battle with a number of horses last time out and was clearly not comfortable in the run, ultimately finishing fifth. There doesn’t look to be as much early pace in this small field and with even luck, he can fight out the finish.
Quality filly La Pomme De Pin will resume in the fifth at Mornington today and I am confident that she can run a nice race fresh. The daughter of I Am Invincible was not at her best last time in, but she has recorded a number of great results for Lloyd Kennewell throughout her career and probably faces the easiest first-up task of her career in this race. I am happy to take on the favourite in this race (#1 High Ratio) and La Pomme De Pin looks the value at her current price ($7 at publish).
Invincible Amici flew home to finish a close-up second at Cranbourne two weeks ago and looks beautifully placed for a return to winning form this afternoon. The daughter of I Am Invincible has been a strong and consistent performer for Darren Weir throughout her eight career starts so far and has only missed a place on three occasions. Ben Allen can take her straight to the lead from barrier 2 today and she’ll give them something to chase.