Race 1 - EDG SPACE 3YO FILLIES MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): A typically tricky start with nine debutants and five raced horses in the 14-strong field. Of the raced brigade, Tanto generates interest. Been placed four of her six career starts, including a good second on heavy at Cranbourne in June. Stablemate Prancing Queen was solid enough on debut here in April on a Soft 6 and has been given some time between runs. Keen to see how local hope Tapo fares for Gwenda Johnstone. Made a good impression on debut on a heavy track at Bendigo in May when fourth to Everylittlebreeze. Trial win at Tatura a month ago suggests she will be ready for this assignment. Satin Love made a good impression on career debut last November when second at Flemington in a Group 3 event, but is still chasing a first win at start six. First time on a heavy under race conditions. Plenty of interest in the first starters — Tottenham Hotspur illustrated improvement in a Cranbourne jumpout on a heavy track earlier this month. Could pay to follow a strong market push. BET: Tanto (1.5 unit win). Tapo (0.5 unit win).
Race 2 - PERRICOOTA STATION MAIDEN PLATE (1200m): Bit more exposed form here, although four debutants did accept. They include the Godolphin horse Zagora, who had a quiet Flemington jumpout on July 22. Gets Billy Egan, but a wide alley, so will be interesting to see if trainer James Cummings runs her or waits for another day. Is Sweet, bred in New Zealand, didn’t exactly get through the heavy in a jumpout at Flemington on July 29, but caught the eye when second over 800m at the same venue on August 8. Of the raced brigade, Saventino has been minor placed three of five on heavy, albeit over further. Magic Edition belied his $61 SP to finish a good second at Swan Hill on debut in soft conditions. Nasdana did run fourth on a Heavy 10 at Geelong on June 17. If Ellerton wins the opener, expect her price to shorten. BET: Nasdana (1 unit win).
Race 3 - HYGAIN MAIDEN PLATE (1400m): Former Kiwi Salassi makes his Australian debut for Matthew Enright after four solid runs across the ditch. Wide gate, but gets Coffey and was placed on a soft track in New Zealand. Market watch. Grisbi’s Pal went well here over 1300m last start behind the promising Mr News. Right in calculations here. Hometown hope Live Life Loud bumped into a smart one at Swan Hill and a repeat of that effort would make her a genuine contender. Redneck Run is coming off a good second here on debut behind Fast Star. Expect him to improve. Sociabeel was beaten favourite on a Heavy 8 at Sandown earlier this month and will appreciate the step up in trip. Chances don’t end there. BET: Redneck Rum (1 unit win), Salassi (1 unit win).
Race 4 - MCBM STRATA SPECIALISTS MAIDEN PLATE (2100m): Going to follow one of my favourite trainers, Stephen Brown, and put Egyptian Wonder on top. Browny was the top trainer during my days in Darwin and despite only training a handful of runners these days, is always a stable to watch. Egyptian Wonder has been placed twice from three previous Echuca visits. He’s no star, but is definitely fit enough and happy to be with him each-way. Strong Lady is another with her hoof on the till after a string of solid runs this preparation. Gets Jack Hill and will be in it for a long way. Parazzi is the interesting horse from the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable. All three runs have been on the synthetic. If she finds a leg in the wet, will be a threat. Kaciga was game at Moe last time out and this is no harder. Cheeky Fox coming off a career-best second at Wangaratta on a Heavy 10 last time. Can she repeat the dose? BET: Egyptian Wonder (1 unit win, 2 units place).
Race 5 - NORTHERN HIRE GROUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (2100m): Bet of the day for me is Storm King. Been following this bloke since his eight-length romp on a Heavy 10 at Wangaratta in June. Has finished runner-up to Spanish Snitzel, Duke Of Hastings and most recently Shock ‘Em Ova at Moonee Valley. Gets the claim for Hannah Edgley and any repeat of his past four wins is good enough to win this. Keen. Capellani has been over the hurdles in his past four runs, but his flat form is good and looms as the obvious danger with Billy Egan aboard. Hometown hope Full Ahead is backing up after impressive win at Wodonga on a Heavy 10 on Sunday. Anikery, Waitapu and Dancing Duck headline best of the rest. BET: Storm King (4 units win).
Race 6 - THE CALEDONIAN BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1000m): This is a hot little race for a Benchmark 64. After much deliberation went with Media Empire on top. Was taken with his run at Moe. Yes it was a Restricted 58 and this is harder, but think I’ll get a price. Bob’s Relish comes off an impressive Warracknabeal win last start for Echuca trainer Jim Lake. Drew outside the other day and this time emerges with barrier one. Frisson is racing well and heavy is no problem. Is tied to El Santo through that form and he is unbeaten here at Echuca. Brazen Bully resumes — good fresh horse. Tricky race. BET: Media Empire (1 unit win).
Race 7 - BET365 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m): Xtra Gear has accepted and been scratched a couple of times in recent weeks. Finally drawn a gate. Ran a couple of meritorious races at Group level as a three-year-old. Placed on a Heavy 10 at Cranbourne in her last run of previous preparation and happy enough to be with her in this. Liked Madam Superior fresh for Mick Cornish and Donna Gaskin, and she ran a top race. This is no harder and second-up stats say she is right in the hunt. The evergreen Kalashani Lad is racing as well as ever. Comes back in class after a third at Benchmark 70 level last time out (at Moonee Valley). Fly On Bye returns to the scene of his last-start win. Will lead and take catching. Atomic Selfie, Sheeza Tilly also more than capable. BET: Xtra Gear (1 unit win), Madam Superior (1 unit win).
Race 8 - MOAMA BOWLING CLUB RATING 64 HANDICAP (1400m): Mr News made a good impression in winning on debut at the last Echuca meeting. Steps up in grade and trip for this assignment. Wouldn’t be taking odds-on this time. Stonefield romped up at Wangaratta in his first start for Andrew Dale. This is harder, but he’s a mercurial horse. Always Hapi drops back in trip from 1518m to 1400m. Comes from an astute stable and up to his ears in this. Key hope. Barrichello showed good signs in first Victorian run at Cranbourne and this is no harder. Soweto Haze and Orlando Grove both can pull out big runs, especially with the sting out. Mennea from the Maher/Eustace team warrants respect. BET: Always Hapi (1 unit each-way).
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