Track: Heavy Weather: Overcast

A very good race with the market being lead by 2 main fancies. Greece streeted them first up off a spell and looks primed to go on with things here from the nice draw. It’ll be a tough race to take out given Willinga Beast sits miles clear on ratings and just needs luck from the draw to be awfully hard to beat. Over Shady and Birdies Galore both have stacks of upside and can figure in the finish. The tempo looks genuine.

1. Aitch Two Oh (13)  – SCRATCHED

2. Lady Laguna (14)  – SCRATCHED

3. Willinga Beast (7)

Should be clear favourite in this. Not electing to lead was a little costly last run and I thought the jockey was soft on the line with Willinga Beast. It brings superior ratings to its rivals and if Melham can find the back of Greece I expect it to be winning. Clear on top in this.

4. Dashing Legend (11)  – SCRATCHED

5. Pantonario (12)

Prefer others.

6. Over Shady (3)

Like the upside about Over Shady. The last win was good and it comes up with a handy draw. Not sure what it beat but it can certainly measure up here at nice odds.

7. Wee Nessy (10)

No luck last run but J-Mac aboard is a great push. If the leaders over do it up front he can pounce on them late and there is plenty of substance to the price.

8. Birdies Galore (1)

Best roughie in the race. Spelled and given time, Mcneil has options from the draw and this race is within reach. The amount of improvement it has taken off its first prep and how ready it is fresh will be vital to its chances. Respect the market.

9. What’s Going On (2)

Went to the paddock on a high. Respect any market moves.

10. Everglade (4)

Won well on debut. A lot harder here but should get every chance from the draw and is capable of measuring up. Prefer the 2 favourites at this stage but Everglade warrants respect.

11. Bay Thirteen (17)

Will need plenty to go right from barrier 17. Prefer others.

12. Greece (6)

Won outstandingly fresh doing everything right and smashing the clock. It’ll be an interesting race of tactics but Greece does look stakes class and should get its chance here. I have a leaning to the NSW form and Willinga Beast brings in stronger ratings but it does look the main danger to the favourite.

13. Startide (9)

Prefer others.

14. Tropicconi (8)

This looks too tough.

15. Sweetened (16)

Going along okay but prefer others in regards to how they map and what form they bring in. Can’t have.

16. Pretty Tavi (15)

Superb win fresh. Kah is booked but I assume she will be on Greece so pending a new jockey. Barrier 15 is also tricky but hard not to like the fresh win. Good enough to take this out.

17. Running By (5)

Good win last start and will be able to camp off the speed. Needs to find a few lengths to threaten the favourites but has the right amount of upside to give this a shake. Top 4 chance.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
3 Willinga Beast	12 Greece	3 Willinga Beast
12 Greece	3 Willinga Beast	12 Greece
8 Birdies Galore	10 Everglade	17 Running By
6 Over Shady	17 Running By	10 Everglade