OVERVIEW: DANCEBYTHESEASIDE (1) is racing better than his recent numerical form suggests. Last start at this track, he covered an extra 36 metres after sustaining a long run and still performed well. He has the best sectional times in this event and the ace barrier should allow him to hold a forward position. SKYZ ABOVE (11) is in good form, having won her past two starts at this track. On both occasions she enjoyed a trail behind the leader before using the sprint lane to score. She faces a tougher task here from barrier 11, where she will need to cover more ground. TORQUE IN HEAVEN (8) was badly held up late last start and would have finished much closer with clear running. His previous four performances were good, and he remains in great form, although the awkward barrier makes things more difficult. WICHITA KANSAS (6) has better form than his numerical figures suggest and rarely runs a poor race. He will need some luck from the barrier. The remainder of the field is evenly matched, so runners such as ZWICK (4), ARE WEASLEY (9) and HOME AND DRY (2) can all be considered genuine chances if they secure favourable runs.

BACK: DANCEBYTHESEASIDE (1) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: GOODTIME MACH (8) has had just three starts since April last year. He returned from a 10-month spell with a promising third at this track last start, flashing home from the rear. He should take improvement from that run and the Courtney Slater stable is in great form. He will just need some luck from the barrier. CALEDONIAN RANGER (9) has been racing reasonably well and has the best recent sectional times in this field. He was a little below his best last start at Ballarat, but his previous run at Geelong was very good. Barrier nine should allow him to settle in a suitable position. FOREGONE CONCLUSION (5) is in fantastic form, having won his past three starts. He appears to have developed a strong association with young driver Grace Bilney, who retains the drive. IMALLATTITUDE (3) has been racing well and rarely puts in a poor performance. He lacks high gate speed, however, so may find himself in an awkward position early.

BACK: GOODTIME MACH (8) – 1.5 units (win)

OVERVIEW: HALLEBESOFINE (9) is a talented young trotting filly with a bright future. She resumes after finishing a brilliant second in the $125,000 Nutrien Classic Final in May. She raced in the breeze throughout on that occasion and was only beaten just over a length. SCAR (8) has enjoyed a terrific season whenever he has trotted throughout. He won impressively at Kilmore two starts ago before producing a strong third at Melton last start. He will need some luck from the barrier but is racing very well. JESSICAS STORY (1) is a smart mare who has been ultra consistent in recent starts. She has the ace barrier and enough gate speed to give herself plenty of options early. VANCE LANE (4) has had little luck recently, with manners and race circumstances proving costly. He is a better horse than his numerical form suggests and is capable of measuring up in this company.

BACK: HALLEBESOFINE (9) – 3 units (win)

OVERVIEW: This looks a very even contest with plenty of winning chances. DI ANGELO (4) produced an improved performance when finishing second last start, hitting the line strongly once clear running became available. He will need some luck again, but is racing well. LIVERMERE (8) has an awkward barrier and is likely to be buried away on the fence. However, on the clock, she has been producing the fastest times in this field and, with clear running, will be charging home late. IMA BALLERINA (6) is one of the higher-rated runners in this event. She tired after pulling hard last start, but her previous run was a strong second after James Herbertson found the fence. Herbertson takes the drive again, although the awkward barrier makes the task more difficult. ETIZ AMODEL (3) is a nice performer when saved for one run. If she can settle close enough, she is capable of flashing home late. Also noting ALLTHEWAYTOROYALTY (5), who is first up for new trainer John Tormey and may show improvement with the change of scenery.

OVERVIEW: ROYAL ROCKSTAR (4) has raced in the breeze at his past two starts at Mildura and hasn't been disgraced. Australia's leading reinsman James Herbertson takes the drive here, and in this field he should be able to make his own luck. HALF AS TOUGH (7) has had three career starts for two recent third placings. He is still learning his craft but continues to race well. The awkward barrier is the main challenge. LIV ON LOVE (2) has had little luck in recent starts and is racing better than her numerical form suggests. She has drawn well and looks capable of improving. JAMALA KHAN (1) has good gate speed and should be able to make full use of the ace barrier. He should appreciate a fence trip after doing plenty of work in his past two starts at Mildura.

BACK: ROYAL ROCKSTAR (4) – 1.5 units (win)

OVERVIEW: CHAMPAGNES (6) is in brilliant form and has enjoyed a career-best past 12 months. She has won her past three starts and looks well placed to continue that winning run. I AM SKYE CHIOLA (7) was a dominant winner at Stawell last start after leading throughout. The Pasa Doble chased well to finish second, while the third horse was beaten more than 42 metres. She is lightly raced and appears to be improving with every start. ITGETSBETTER (3) is always thereabouts despite having won just once. He will need some luck in running but is competitive in this company. BETSY ANNE (2) has produced a series of good performances and continues to improve. She has drawn well and should enjoy a favourable run. Also respecting BROWN EYED KATE (4), who has won three of her past four starts and comes into this race full of confidence.

BACK: CHAMPAGNES (6) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: MOISSANITE (9) has only trotted throughout once in its career. That came three starts ago at Melton, where it missed the start before hitting the line strongly. It clearly has ability. If it trots throughout, it is the horse to beat, but that remains the big question. QUEEN TRUSCOTT (6) resumed for Chris Angove last start after a campaign in South Australia and almost two years on the sidelines. She battled on well for fourth and should take improvement from that run with added fitness. CALLINAN (1) has the ace barrier and the best sectional times heading into this event. He has enough gate speed to hold a forward position and looks well placed. SERIOUSLY SAL (4) is a first-start trotter who remains a little unknown. She finished fourth in a recent Maryborough trial run in modest time. Whatever she does here, she should improve with the race experience.