The first is at 12.51pm and the lucky last at 4.26pm.
After Tuesday’s rain, the track was a Soft 6 yesterday, but with fine weather forecast, expect the track to race in the 4/5 range come Saturday.
Race 1 is a tribute to former Echuca Racing Club president Mr John Bennett (JB). He was a great servant of the ERC and racing across his time as president and as a committeeman. He is sadly missed at the ERC.
Here’s a look at the local hopes:
Duchess Artie (Race 1, No.7): Trained by Donna Gaskin, first up at Kerang was sixth beaten six lengths, will need to improve to be challenging.
Freedom (Race 1, No.8): Ex-Grahame Begg, now with Rhys Archard. Interesting runner, has shown enough ability to be worth an each-way ticket in this race.
Live Life Loud (Race 3, No.10): The Bluey Thomas trained mare has found the longer distances to her liking, with the 3kg claim for Rose Hammond, Live Life Loud will be close to winning this.
Tutankhamun (Race 4, No.3): Has been a bit plain since the first up win at Echuca in June. The 2100m and the home track may see him in the placings.
Super Quick Love (Race 4, No.13): The Rhys Archard stable mate of Tutankhamun, although suited by the 2100m, this mares form needs to improve to be a top three chance in this race.
The Talking Toff (Race 5, No.4): Continues to race consistently, well suited to 1600m and is an each way chance, at least in this race.
Common Request (Race 5, No.8): Common Request, has the wide barrier against him here although the 1600m and the home track both suit, some each way hope.
Darksaber (Race 6, No.2): The Dennis Oliver trained gelding is racing very well and is a great chance to win. Needs to overcome the wide barrier, will go well.
Kia Hohe (Race 6, No.6): Another local who has the visitors draw, with barrier 13. Ran on well to just miss a place at Kerang, more natural improvement will see this Michael Newton trained gelding in the placings in this race.
Limbering (Race 6, No.16): First up at 1100m will be too short for him, look for this galloper later on in the preparation over a longer trip.
BEST FOR THE DAY: Yes I’m back on board – Live Life Loud, best each-way chance to Darksaber. Good luck to all our local runners on Saturday.
21°C