DEBUT FOR DIRECT SOUND TODAY

Direct Sound and Royal Infantry represent us at Ballarat today following a double for us at Bendigo yesterday.

Direct Sound is the first to go in the third race over 1400 metres with Declan Bates to ride.

It is the first start for the gelded son of Alabama Express who has continued to improve as his preparation has progressed.

“He’s improving all the time and ready to go to the races,” co-trainer Glen Thompson said.

“He’s as fit as he can be for 1400 metres first-up and this is a good track to get him started.

“We are expecting him to improve on whatever he does today and he shapes as though he will be better over further but it is good to get him to the races and get him started.”

Royal infantry runs in the fourth race, also over 1400m and also with Declan Bates in the saddle and with an important gear change.

“We have added blinkers and a tongue-tie to him for today,” Glen explained. “He’s ben frustrating as he shows us good ability at home but has not been bringing that race day.

“He has worked in blinkers and they certainly seem to have sharpened him. He jumps from barrier four after scratchings so he’s drawn to advantage and in what looks an open sort of maiden if he produces what we know he is capable of he can run a big race.”