This weekend of racing we have runners in multiple states and countries. Knightlaila will race at the Curragh, Ireland, while Lorne steps out at Clairefontaine, France. In Australia, we have runners across the country, highlighted by leading chances Hezashocka and Comme Bella Fille.
Saturday, July 16
Clairefontaine (FR)
Current Track Rating: Good
Lorne
Lorne is a talented staying filly has been knocking on the door of her first win, and is again expected to be right in the mix. There are a few fillies of similar ability in this race and the ground is likely to be a touch quicker than ideal, so she doesn’t get the absolute perfect set up.
Race 6 – 12:35am | 2400m 3yo Fillies Maiden | T: Mario Baratti | J: Simon Planque 56.5kg | Barrier 10
| Saddlecloth 8
Eagle Farm
Current Track Rating: Good
Taaffeite
Taaffeite steps back from Listed grade into a more suitable field. Her form reads a little mixed this time in but she continues to please at home and is capable in this class. She’s performed well at this track and distance and Matt feels she’s can be very competitive here.
Race 4 – 1:03pm | 2200m BM72 | T: Matt Dunn | J: Ben Thompson 54kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 12
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Comme Bella Fille
Comme Bella Fille continues to go from strength and strength and all connected feel her best is still ahead of her. With a light weight and suitable soft conditions, she should get every chance of fighting out the finish once again. Another forward showing in this grade would see us turn our attention to some spring targets.
Race 5 – 1:30pm | 1800m BM88 | T: John O’Shea | J: Reece Jones 52kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 6
Flemington
Current Track Rating: Soft
Ostile
Ostile returns to Flemington for his second career start, in what shapes as another educational experience for this young stayer. Expected to be slightly more forward in running, we hope to see him doing his best work through the line. Importantly, he has taken good improvement from his debut run.
Race 5 – 2:20pm | 1800m Byerley Handicap | T: Mitchell Freedman | J: Ms Alana Kelly 54kg | Barrier 14
| Saddlecloth 11
Hezashocka
Hezashocka, a son of Shocking is yet to put a foot wrong this preparation, finishing in the placings at all three starts. With the services of Jamie Kah and ground to his liking, a strong performance is expected in what is a hotly contested race.
Race 7 – 3:40pm | 2000m Handicap | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | J: Ms Jamie Kah 54kg | Barrier 8
| Saddlecloth 9
Sunday, July 17
Curragh (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Good
Knightlaila
Johnny Murtagh has remained patient with Knightlaila since his slightly disappointing performance last start, with Sunday’s race presenting as a nice opportunity for the gelding to bounce back. The horse has worked well leading into this event and we are hopeful that he can put his best foot forward.
Race 3 – 11:45pm AEST | 2000m 3yo Handicap | T: Johnny Murtagh | J: TBC kg | Barrier TBC
| Saddlecloth 8
Best of luck to all connections!
