Riverine Herald editor Gregor Mactaggart has dusted off the crystal ball once again in a bid to find a winner. The track was rated a Soft 6 at time of preview, but I’m working on a good surface with fine conditions expected today and tomorrow.
Race 1 - ECHUCA MOAMA PRINT & DESIGN MAIDEN PLATE (1200m): Tricky start with only two of the six runners having had a start. Fantastic Mr Fox only beat one home at Ballarat on April 5 with King Protea also running second last on debut at Bendigo on April 11. With that in mind, going with a debutant in Tosen Impact. Has had four jumpouts and run top four in all three. One More Shot from in-form stable generates attention. Sea Of Lights showed enough in Avoca jumpout to suggest she is competitive. Bet: Tosen Impact (0.5 unit each-way).
Race 2 - MURPHY’S TURF AND LANDSCAPING 3YO FILLIES MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): Five debutants at this stage in the 14-strong field. Bolshoi Princess did win Kyneton jump-out on March 3. Mriya was second in Tatura jumpout on April 3. Phoenix Affair won Geelong jumpout on March 29. Reel Invader finished third in Kilmore jumpout on April 14. Walk Of Fame won Geelong jumpout on March 29. Of raced brigade, Tapo has been a model of consistency on rain-affected tracks. Repeat of any run from first prep wins here. Story Of Stella drawn wide, but has shown talent. Regal Vow good on debut at Mornington. Bet: Tapo (1 unit win), Walk Of Fame (1 unit win).
Race 3 - SIGNARAMA ECHUCA-MOAMA MAIDEN PLATE (1400m): Mishima caught the eye in Benalla maiden last time out, this is no harder. Live Life Loud narrowly touched off at Kerang and stays under notice. Rose Hammond’s claim helps cause. Transceltic looms a likely improver, but has been unplaced in all five previous runs. Stablemate Swift Fury was poor last-start, although can bounce back. Mahjing capable on his day. Bet: Mishima (1 unit win), Live Life Loud (0.5 unit each-way).
Race 4 - BREWERY FRESH CARLTON DRAUGHT RATING 58 HANDICAP (1600m): Surin Beach has been runner-up both times previously at Echuca. Drops back in grade from 64 level to more than winnable 58. Moxatation never fired in heavy at Swan Hill on Monday, an improving track helps his cause at a price. Dance Ready solid at Kerang, but this is harder. Ring The Bank out to 1600 generates some interest. Chances don’t end there. Bet: Surin Beach (1 unit win), Moxatation (0.5 unit each-way).
Race 5 - RICH RIVER PARTY HIRE ECHUCA BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1300m): Lika Swift has won two of her past three. Is up in trip and grade, but will have his admirers with the Johnstone-Hammond factor. Our Lone Star drops back to country grade after finishing down the track at Sandown last time out. Best is clearly good enough. Yaki Ishi solid enough fresh at Benalla and does have good second-up statistics. Super Sting off eye-catching last-start win. Bon Shadow, Ladymane also capable. Tough race. Bet: Yaki Ishi (1 unit win), Lika Swift (0.5 unit each-way).
Race 6 - BORDER INN HOTEL RATING 58 HANDICAP (1400m): Forget Aremberg went around at Benalla last time. His previous form was good enough to make him competitive here. Salute To The Sun is drawn wide, but might be in the best part of the track late in the day. Kia Hohe chased home Estrapaz last time out and that form-line will be tested in Adelaide on Saturday. Onslaught smart on his day. Too Hard To Handle, Bangerang Redback both genuine contenders. Got Out The Fence was good at Kerang, but this is harder. BET: Aremberg (1 unit each-way).
Race 7 - BET365 RATING 58 HANDICAP (1000m): At time of writing he was the third emergency, but like Rotokura in this. Been a model of consistency and despite going up from maiden to Rating 58, he’s a horse I want to follow. Happy enough too with the drop back from 1200 to 1000. State Of Class drawn well, gets Coffey and his best is good enough. Zoulon heads across from Wangaratta with more than solid credentials. Scoria Star solid as a rock last-start. She’s The Sheriff can improve. Difficult race to close out the program. BET: Rotokura (1 unit win).