1. Kourkam: The best horse in the race clearly. Won 3 from 5 first up in the past and goes very well at this distance including a first up win over this distance last prep and a Group 2 placing the very next start behind a smart type in Suavito. Will be sitting closer to the back today. You know the speed will be on out the front with Leveraction setting the tempo. Suited.
2. Excites Zelady: Ran 2nd in a Group 3 last prep over in Adelaide to The Bowler. Last start won a Listed grade race over this distance. Have to respect the horses ability. Awkward barrier the only negative.
3. Leveraction: Couldn’t win a bloody country cup last start but it was over 1400m… but still. Obviously we know this horse likes the track and likes this distance, but is he really going well enough to beat all these home? We know the speed will be on.
4. Baron Archer: Last two starts have been horrible. Hard to be on him today on recent form.
5. Curragh King: Good win at Seymour on wetter track. Goes okay on Good but best and best recent form on wetter. Have to improve.
6. Sylvan Power: Given no chance the last two starts… best runs over shorter distances. Not sure what they are doing here.
7. Audino: Last win was over this distance. Shown nothing the last three starts. Hard to have today.. but has won 3 from 6 at distance. Takes a long time to get into preps.
8. Kings Palace: Nice run last start at course and distance in easier class. Same weight today a bit of a concern off a peak run as well.
9. Beau Brommell: Two wins from the last two runs going through the grades. Much harder here today. Barrier 1 helps chances but has to improve again back to the 1600m. Tough.
10. Hot Augusta: Country grade – big jump here.
11. Lucky Paddy: Well backed. Huge win two back at Pakenham. Last start disappointing when beaten at Cranbourne. Has ability.
Comments: Not overly confident in this race today but I clearly want to be on a horse midfield or better. Excites Zelady as the scope from a runner i’m looking for, suited by the strong tempo that will be set out front today by Leveraction and in a position close to the speed from the barrier.
Confidence 60%
Strategy: Excites Zelady to win.
