Local chances eye off victory

RACING returns to Hamilton tomorrow with a stacked eight-race program. Photo: TASH FRANKO.

By Peter Morganti

January 27, 2022 | 12:00 PM

TOMORROW’S gallops meeting at Hamilton has translated from over 360 nominations into a very strong eight-event program.

The meeting caters for our big pool of lower-grade horses with four maidens and four BM58 races making for a competitive day’s racing.

Despite the grades, some very good races with good depth will ensure finding winners will be tough for the punters.

Multiple chances in most races should result in good odds for any winner found.

Big named trainers have supported the meeting, and have some leading chances, but locals can also play a part.

One of those is Noble Rocks for local trainer, Darren Kolpin.

A three-time winner at the track, the nine-year-old found form with a close-up second at Terang earlier this month.

The 1400m is his favourite trip at the track and with Will Gordon riding, I expect to see the gelding to fight out the finish.

Hardest to beat look to be Garbo and A Pinch Of Luck.

Tom’s Shout has returned to Peter Young’s stable after a preparation with Kolpin.

Two promising second placings late last year showed the five-year-old son of Atomic has plenty of potential and looks well placed in the PM Riddle Constructions Maiden Plate over 1200m.

He does strike a very strong field with the Mitch Freedman and Lindsey Smith stables saddling up two nice prospects.

Danny’s Sparkle for Freedman is named after the late Danny Frawley; his wife Anita is part of the ownership.

A certainty beaten on debut at Echuca in July last year, the four-year-old daughter of Scissor Kick only has to replicate that run to be a winner.

Smith saddles up former New Zealand galloper Sword Of War.

Three placings from his only three starts abroad sees the gelding as one of the more intriguing runners at the meeting.

Smith with five runners is primed to have a big day, Money For Old Rope and Terracotta the best of those and looking well placed in their respective races.

The Tom Dabernig stable is red-hot with winners and again produce some leading chances.

Two previous maiden winners in Finance Choice and Perfect Darling have found nice races to keep the winning streak going.

Vesnina is a great each way chance for those punters wanting value.

The Ken Elford trained mare is two-time winner on the track and despite having not won over 1600m, his form prior to a last start failure at Warrnambool gives her a strong hope of returning the winner’s stall.

Good punting.

Morg’s selections

Race 1

Starz Barwon

Zouhope

Recap

Race 2

Pierranha

Money For Old Rope

Thrifty

Race 3

Moxatation