Of The Brave: Won first prep at course over 1000m in impressive fashion. Barrier 10 but will be pushing forward and could land 1 back the rail if ridden out of the gates fast. Looks a solid chance here.
Bantam: Failed down the straight first start down straight and then just snuck a win at Moonee Valley in very average time. Poor barrier and will do a load of work.
Sampeah: Fair enough in only run last start at Rosehill in a 7 runner field. Hard to judge just how he will measure up but barrier 4 he can get a more forward run than required.
Iceflow: First up run last start was solid but not ground breaking then failed next start. Not sure he is top class.
Braccenby: Saw just the one run last prep and it wasn’t terrible but he was clearly well beaten.
Top Me Up: Super run last start at Sandown showing the best first sectional than any other runner in this race today, that is how much work he had to do. Stuck on strongly while still green and the extra 100m will be appreciated… Hawkes was stunned by them betting double figures on him and I agree.
Gredington: maiden winning Magnus colt. Hardly ever see the best of these at 2YO but it was an okay win.. others preferred especially from barrier.
Kirabo: Thought he ran well enough last start at Sandown but had every chance to get past Top Me Up and wasn’t good enough. Happy to bet around here.
Pride of Dubai: Well backed Snowden colt who was very green in his only run to date and is flying on trial form. Has been well backed and barrier 7 should see him in a strong position at the corner.
Call me Anything: Looked to have every chance last start at Flemington but well beaten. Long time between runs but struggle to see measuring up in this based on first run.
Demonstrate: Not the worst run but was well beaten coming to the 200m and wasn’t making up ground. Doesn’t look the stables best chance this year.
Trench Fighter: A few forgive issues again last start but struggle to suggest going near him today. Too many issues horse.
Extra Choice: A Hayes special. Walker rides the better horse here… first up good barrier.. should be anything.
Stylish Assassin: Just ignore first up and rate on super trial that made him go around favourite. Oliver stick with him for a reason.
Comments: Call me biased all you want, the price being bet on Top Me Up after that first up run is nuts. Burnstone had a $1.8million overseas offer before it died for a reason.
Confidence 70%
Strategy: Top Me Up E/W
