Friday racing heads to Grafton with a competitive card on offer, and with Matt Dunn looking set for a big day, we’ve done the form to find our best bets on the program.
TORQUE SO HOT (1) was good at the Gold Coast last start when seventh beaten 3.31 lengths over 1200m after settling too far back and needing a positive ride.
Prior to that, he was solid first-up at Ballina when second beaten 2.89 lengths over 1000m on heavy ground after over-racing.
This looks easier than last start and the Matt Dunn-trained gelding gets blinkers on for the first time.
He should settle in a prominent position and gets a great chance to break through.
| 1. Torque So Hot (6) J: Nick Heywood 58.5kg 54×27T: Matthew Dunn | |||
| Third-up today. First-up held ground to the line 2nd of 10 at Ballina Mdn-Sw on June 21 over 1000m, on rain affected going; 3 len behind Rouge Angel carrying 59kg at $2.15. Second-up 7th of 14 at Gold Coast Mdn on July 11 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind African Evening carrying 60kg at $5.50. Big chance with the blinkers going on. | |||
SORRENTI (3) resumes from a long spell after placing in both runs during his first preparation, including a close third beaten 0.59 lengths at Murwillumbah.
The Matt Dunn-trained three-year-old has since been gelded and his two trials should have him ready to fire first-up.
He showed enough ability last time in to suggest a maiden like this is within reach.
He should enjoy a nice run for Nick Heywood on speed.
| 3. Sorrenti (7) J: Nick Heywood 59kg 23xT: Matthew Dunn | |||
| Resuming after a 11 months break. Finished off last campaign third of 11 at Murwillumbah Super Mdn-Sw August 28 over 1200m, soft track; 0.8 len behind Brutal Sue carrying 56.5kg at $1.85. On debut second of 11 at Ipswich Mdn-Sw August 14 over 1200m, 0.6 len behind Smart Shazza with 56kg at $4.60. This is an ideal race to kick off. Gelded over the break and can sprint well fresh. | |||
BRUTAL MISS (4) resumes on the back of a nice trial after contesting stronger races last preparation.
She finished last time in with runs at Eagle Farm and Sunshine Coast in handy three-year-old company, which looks tougher than this.
The Matt Dunn-trained filly was a strong first-up winner last preparation, scoring at the Gold Coast over 1000m.
With that fresh record and a softer assignment, she looks ready to run well.
| 4. Brutal Miss (1) J: Nick Heywood 57.5kg 187xT: Matthew Dunn | |||
| Resuming after a five months break. Not seen since she finished last of 7 at Eagle Farm 3yo Hcp February 14 over 1200m, soft track; 4 len behind The Pool Boy carrying 53kg at $5. At her first start won by 1.75 len Gold Coast Mdn-Sw December 27 over 1000m slow track defeating Hills Of Minto carrying 52kg at $2.25. Anticipating her to hit the ground running this campaign. | |||
PERMISSION GRANTED (2) endured a tough run over 1215m here last start when fifth beaten 1.99 lengths and can be forgiven for the effort.
Prior to that, the Matt Dunn-trained gelding was below his best at Ballina but had been good here three starts ago when second beaten a whisker.
He is rock hard fit deep into the preparation and getting onto a drier track will help.
The rise in distance should suit and he can settle handy enough to give this a shake.
| 2. Permission Granted (5) J: Dylan Turner 61kg x4255T: Matthew Dunn | |||
| Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 12 at this track Cl1 on July 5 over 1215m, slow going 2 len behind Picupstixx carrying 59.5kg at $2.60. The run before that sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 7 at Ballina Bm58 on June 21 over 1250m, on rain affected going; 13 len behind Warrior Bae carrying 59kg at $2.60. Has ability and is expected to run well again. | |||