OVERVIEW: HAPPILY (3) is a get-back, run-on type who needs luck in her races but is a very gifted pacer who often storms home and did just that when winning from last at Ballarat on October 29. It was a great effort and followed a close-up third placing to Jilliby Sniper – that horse has won twice since – when held up on the fence at Terang. I like her and she should be going close with even tempo and luck. RIVER STORM (4) had no chance from last in a fast last half at Melton in the IRT Graduate latest, but before that won well at Cranbourne and also did well when third to Cardigan Dan in a heat of the Vicbred Super Series back in August. Classy and a key danger. SECRET SERVICE AGENT (7) has a difficult gate to contend with but was a dominant winner two back before leading them up, absorbing pressure and boxing on okay into fifth in that hot IRT Graduate, while HOUSE PARTY (2) has been beaten as a short-priced favourite her last two in easier races than this, and while she is probably one I’m happy to overlook again, she must be regarded as a chance from the state’s powerhouse stable. ANGELS WATCHING (1) is the other key contender from the good gate and following a close-up second last time out at Kilmore.

BACK: HAPPILY (3) – 3 units (win)