Track: Good Weather: Fine

Not much separates these and many are coming through the same last race (the Group 1 Doomben Cup). Current favourite Huetor put the writing on the wall with a few excellent return runs before accounting for superstar Zaaki. Mcevoy mentioned post race he was not surprised about the result and Huetor is every chance of making it back-to-back wins in this. Maximal was just behind Huetor last start and comes up on the second line of betting. Other dangers include Hopeful coming off a strong last start win and Numerian who looks its time to hit its straps in Australia but now it has the winning groove, could well go on with things. Not much speed in this race so it may well turn into a sprint home.

1. The Chosen One (9)

Racing well enough to figure in this and should find this race slightly easier than last start. The Chosen One has a 42% career place rate so the current $4.20 on offer for it to run top 3 does seem appealing.

2. Kolding (11)

Kolding has been an outstanding horse for connections however its form has tapered off a little recently. Last start showed a bit more promise and this does seem to be a drop in grade on what it has been contesting in. Some hope for the top 4.

3. Huetor (10)

Knocked over Zaaki last start and it was a convincing win. Mcevoy mentioned post race he was not surprised with the result and he sticks in the saddle today. Huetor will need a pinch of luck from the draw but has alway shown a stack of promise and does look very hard to beat again. The $3.20 on offer is a fair bet.

4. Numerian (5)

Took a while to hit its straps in Australia but finally got the elusive win last start and was racing consistently prior. Can take this out if it can build on last run but does look fractionally short against this opposition.

5. Yonkers (13)

Best roughie in this race. Prepared to forgive last run, the return win was excellent. Yonkers is given no favours from the draw but it does have a touch of class and can figure in the finish.

6. Great House (15)

Another Waller runner that has plenty of talent. Great House does tend to mix its form a bit but has a lethal turn of foot and is good enough to take this out. Keep an eye on the market & keep safe in this field.

7. Kukeracha (7)

Going okay but prefer a few of the stable mates in this.

8. Le Don De Vie (12)

Huge return win knocking over hot favourite Tuvalu. If it can find more off that win it can figure in this finish. Barrier 12 makes things tricky but it can give this a shake at odds.

9. Maximal (14)

Ran past Zaaki and was right up close to Huetor last start. Off that, has to be a major player despite the wide draw. Nash Rawiller is a suitable booking and this race is certainly within reach.

10. Ballistic Boy (16)

Good run last start but this is a lot harder. Some hope for a top 4 finish but prefer others.

11. Hopeful (6)

Racing very consistently and the form around Kirwan’s Lane should bode well against these. Barrier 6 is ideal and Hopeful looks nicely placed in this field. Major player.

12. Criaderas (4)

Can’t have.

13. London Banker (8)

Hasn’t been showing the form it had last prep, needs to lift.

14. Esti Feny (4)

Needs to lift.

15. Polly Grey (2)

The wetter the better for Polly Grey. A likely good track is expected and off the last start run I prefer some of the stablemates.

16. Coventina Bay (3)

Going okay but prefer others.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
3 Huetor	3 Huetor
6 Great House	9 Maximal
9 Maximal	4 Numerian
11 Hopeful	6 Great House