1. Ninth Legion: Horrible run last start but no surprise on a wetter track. Every chance two back at Sale. Was nice enough for 4th three back in Group 1 company. Has to improve on everything we have seen to date.
2. Charmed Harmony: Had the track to suit last start at Flemington but got given a horror ride by Opie Bosson. His best runs have been on Good 4 – Soft 6 ground, but there is every chance we get only a Good 3 track. There are very light showers expected in the afternoon and they would be hoping one of them hits just before the race to put a little top surface moisture for him. I actually think the Good track helps him a little to fully handle the 1500m, but it’s always a tough ask for this horse. Did handle Good at Caulfield this prep. Need to trust the fact that Bossy will let him roll and push him around in a solid tempo and not just sit until the 300m.
3. Star Rolling: Horrible both runs last prep. Last win was more than a year ago but was in a solid enough WFA-G2 race… was able to control the speed that day though. Hard to see the win here for mine.
4. Mr Utopia: Well backed last start at Flemington when well beaten. Bucked at the start. Was never in the race from 10m into the race! Strange really. Expect much better here and will be well suited up to 1500m back to a good track.
5. Akavoroun: Change of tactics on speed last start at Sale. Stewards questioned but no action #nosurprise. Best runs have been in easier races the last three preps and hasn’t been able to win with just 1 place from last 11 starts. Has to improve. Barrier is good.
6. Hosting: Running better this prep than the results suggest. Well in at the weights today here. Will be out the back but running on late.
7. Eximius: Every chance at Sale and just not going well enough yet. Has to improve.
8. Good Project: Probably won’t be running. Nice enough in easier class last start at Flemington. Would be a chance if running.
9. Burning Front: Massive improvement to run well last start at Flemington and just missed on the heavy track. Short break between runs, will run well again.
10. Harada Bay: Hard to dismiss his form this prep with strong runs both runs this prep. Has to improve here though. Loves a strong tempo.
11. Timeless Prince: Every chance last few runs this prep and well beaten. Take on for mine.
12. Tashbeeh: Too far back last start at Flemington. Obviously a good type but big improvement needed here at the weights.
13. Staviva: Hard to have on last three runs. 6 runs 0 places at similar distances.
14. Our Positive Move: Best runs have been over 2000m in past. Take on for mine.
Comments: Waller Stable have all but scratched Good Project and I would have been betting around the horse from the barrier at the prices today… Happy to back both Charmed Harmony and Mr Utopia here.
Confidence 70%
Strategy: Charmed Harmony for 1.5 units and Mr Utopia for 1 unit to win.
