1. Akzar: Barrier no issue as he will be out the back as always. Goes well at this distance and has a good record at this track… but clearly he has to have improved in the last 12 days on the last start run to be beating all these home at the weights.
2. Our Voodoo Prince: I think he is going very well this prep especially the last four runs with a win two fourths and a 3rd last start in this company and distance. Gets a very nice run from midfield today and looks well suited at the weights.
3. Sysmo: Three runs this prep and each run has actually been horrible. I couldn’t touch him here.
4. Lord Durante: Strong run three back at course and distance when just missed. Digitalism has backed up that form with a cup win since also. Went well two back over an unsuitable distance also. Due for another win soon and being the clear leader on paper today, he will be allowed to control the tempo. Massive chance.
5. Disclaimer: Six runs this prep and yet to finish better than 6th (was a 7 runner field). No thanks here.
6. Crime Fighter: Two runs this prep and has improved with each run. Nice record at course and at this distance. Gets better later into preps only issue and yet to win at this class from 8 runs. I think the last start run shows the step up in distance will have him right in this.
7. Temps Voleur: Amazing to look at his form. 8 runs this prep before he broke the Top 6 in a race and since he has run first, second, first, first and first. BM-90 up to Open class and up 4kg here. Hard to have at weights but clearly going well enough.
8. Killarney Kid: Measured up in the past to similar grades of class and has won over 2000m at Flemington. Best suited by longer straights for mine, but he has the ability to run well again here off two decent runs leading in.
9. Nesbo: Took the next step last start with a decent on speed run 6th to Digitalism at Cranbourne. Needs to improve again to place here though.
10. Cuban Fighter: Wants further than this in easier grade. Take on.
Comments: I’m super keen on Lord Durante on the Each-Way in this today. He gets the absolute dream run out the front with only Temps Voleur expected to want to be on speed with him. His last two runs at course and distance in this grade were close 2nds to horses that have measured up in harder races than this since those runs as well… and he is from barrier 1 and weighted to win. Most importantly, the main threats in the race for mine will be giving him a length or two at very least heading into the final 400m of the race.
Confidence 85%
Strategy: Lord Durante E/W
