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The Peter Moody-trained Skawboard Pressure heads west to Swan Hill today to tackle the Betfair Murray Mallee Handicap (1300m) and so long as he does the one-percenters right the team should come away with four points.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Skawboard Pressure goaled on debut at Ballarat, winning a maiden that subsequently provided a couple of others winners, but had to settle for behinds in each of his next three shots on goal.
A runner up effort at his second start was a slight improvement on his debut form and he was better again in Adelaide before a spell, beating all bar the useful Road Trippin’ who he may well have run down in another couple of strides.
After a spell he returned at Bendigo over 1000m, a trip he ultimately found too short, but was again the one closing strongly late, just missing on the line but leaving the impression that he was the best horse in the race.
That race has provided a handful of subsequent winners and the winner on that day, Electric Shot has since shown improved form running well behind the talented Henwood at Moonee Valley.
Skawboard Pressure missed all four posts for the first time last start, finishing sixth at Sandown, but he looked unsuited on the soft ground that day and again the trip was short of what will likely prove ideal.
In-fact he probably wants further than today’s 1300m too but it is a step in the right direction and a firmer surface is seen as a big plus.
He has the figures to be winning today, and is expected to do so, with dangers coming in the form of debut winner Tried And Tired and the fit and in-form Lashed Out.
Tried And Tired made a perfect start to his racing career, romping away to win a maiden over 1200m here at Swan Hill.
He looked to have plenty in hand there and is sure to take benefit into today’s race.
Also in his favour is his yards good record at the course where they strike at 22%, well above an overall strike-rate of 12%.
Lashed Out was a good winner two back and then ran right up to that form when second at Seymour last time. He will need to improve slightly on that if he is to be winning today but he is lightly raced and not one to be dismissed lightly.