OVERVIEW: SPEEDY HEALEY (2) looks very well placed here against this opposition based on his best form and the times he’s capable of producing. He was terrific first-up when drawing the back row and making up good ground in excellent closing fractions in a race that developed into a sprint home. The claim of Blake Pace sees him draw well, and his last win, although a year ago, came with him in the sulky. The early tempo looks good enough for him to map well and let down with his sharp sprint.

WAR ZONE (9) is a more than handy 3yo who, two starts back, had a strong win at Ballarat in good time, before having a throw at the stumps in the VICBRED heats where the company was just a bit sharp. His best performances have been from a front-row draw, but he can still be in the finish if the tempo is right. FREAK OUT (6) is a good, tough, forward-going type who’s run some good races at this track and was a gallant second last time out at Melton when sitting parked. His chances would improve significantly if he found the front, but a few others will also be looking. PICKLE IT (8) gets a soft peg-line draw and will be reliant on the breaks coming at the right time but is racing in good heart. Stablemates REGAL ROCK (1), who’s first-up, and TREACHEROUSTIMES (4) will both come out hard and be map-dependent, while GOZO MAJOR (3) warrants consideration if he gains a start.

BACK: SPEEDY HEALEY (2) – 2.5 units (win)