Track: Good 4 Weather: Showers

Open field engaged. Bodyguard resumes from a break and is unbeaten fresh. First Settler bumped into Growing Empire last start and that form has been franked since. Tarpaulin was very poor last run but good enough to bounce back in this. Reserve Bank looked outstanding last start when heavily backed and can go on with things but does have a tough draw to overcome.

1. Bittercreek (3)

Resumes off a break. Was solid in open company before heading to the paddock and boasts a placing here. Best chances in this is a placing.

2. Bodyguard (9)

Resuming off a break and unbeaten fresh. Brings in some solid form and boasts a top 3 hope in this.

3. Aardvark (5)

Can’t have.

4. First Settler (1)

Maps to find the rail and found Growing Empire too slick last start. That form has been franked in the Manikato Stakes since. Looks very hard to beat.

5. Tarpaulin (7)

Hoped for more last run. Would have to lift on form to beat these.

6. Enriched (8)

Can’t have.

7. Reserve Bank (10)

Backed off the map when resuming and won in style. Harder here but on the up and looks extremely progressive.

8. Lofty Arch (4)

Can’t have.

9. Eneeza (6)

Class of the race who brings in some very good form. Maps okay and if ready to go fresh should give this a shake.

10. Savagery Vibe (2)

Can’t have.

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

Bryce Parker’s Tips
4 First Settler
7 Reserve Bank
2 Bodyguard
9 Eneeza

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 First Settler
2nd	7 Reserve Bank	0.1 length
3rd	6 Enriched	0.6 length
4th	5 Tarpaulin	1 length

The track was rated as Soft 6.

There were no scratchings.