OVERVIEW: MIKI MARK (9) has been racing in great form recently, finishing in the top three at seven of his past eight starts. He has a suitable barrier to follow through early and boasts the best sectional times in this event. FAVOURITEHIGHLIGHT (5) is an experienced mare who continues to race well. Last start she hit the line strongly from back in the field and, with the right run, she has a sharp turn of foot. DREAMTIME NALA (3) won at Melton two starts ago after working forward to find the front. Last start she over-raced in the breeze before weakening late. She performs best when able to lead and will be well suited if she can find that position again. STANDANDELIVER (8) was an impressive winner last start after racing tough in the breeze and still proving too strong. The awkward barrier is the main challenge. Also noting two runners making their first starts for new trainers. THE ACCIDENTAL ONE (1) resumes for Rita Burnett, while TOOBY GOLD (7) steps out for Michael Mannix.

BACK: MIKI MARK (9) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: ARCHAA (6) is in career-best form, having finished in the top two at his past five starts. He has found the front in each of those runs, although that may prove more difficult here with several runners drawn inside him possessing gate speed. BETATHANABOUGHTONE (9) is third up this campaign and should be nearing peak fitness. She has had little luck in her two runs back but has an ideal second row draw to follow through into a running line and finish strongly late. ALTIUS (8) has been racing reasonably well and, if saved for one run, is a genuine first four chance. TALISKER SKIPPER (10) defeated ALTIUS (8) last start after making a sweeping mid-race move to find the front. He continues to race very well but faces a tougher task from the awkward barrier.

BACK: ARCHAA (6) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW:  This is one of the most even and open trotting contests on the card. MEVIA (3) is a mare whose ability is still a little difficult to assess. She began her career with an impressive win at Maryborough before contesting the Vicbred and Breeders Crown series, where she had little luck. She resumed with a good second at Cranbourne in late June, should improve with that run under her belt and maps well here. PASS THE SALT (6) is another runner returning after competing against the better horses of his age group last season. He never disgraced himself at that level and should have taken improvement from the break. He is prepared by leading trotting trainer Chris Svanosio. DANCE FIGHTER (11) resumed with a solid third at Melton last start. She appears to be one of the more talented trotters in this field, although the wide barrier makes the task more difficult. ALDEBARAN MISTIQUE (4) is a Volstead-sired mare who has performed well in both starts this campaign. She won in slow time last start but was impressive in the way she let down late. Also respecting AMIRA (2), who has had two career starts for a win and a fourth after galloping early. She has plenty of ability. SEBS GAL (5) also appears to be putting it all together and comes into this race with confidence. PIQUE (7) and JUST ME AND YOU (10) cannot be left out of calculations either.

OVERVIEW: MONEY TALKS (6) is racing in terrific form, having finished in the top three at seven of his past eight starts. He has the best sectional times in this event, although the awkward barrier makes his task a little tougher. LOVE WHO (4) appeared to click well with Daryl Douglas at their first outing together last start. He began well to find the front and was only run down in the closing stages. If he can lead again here, he will take plenty of catching. KALARNEY PRINCE (10) is the eye-catching grey who is always capable of producing a strong finish when the race is run to suit. LITTLE TEDEY (8) galloped early last start before making up plenty of ground to finish fourth. He was a winner at his previous start and is racing well, although he will need some luck from the barrier. Also respecting FLING IT RAINBOW (7), who raced in the breeze last start before tiring late. He has a sharp turn of foot when saved for one run but will need to slot into a handy position from the awkward draw.

BACK: MONEY TALKS (6) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: THE SPARKLER (10) has recorded the best sectional times in this field despite having just two career starts. He is still learning what racing is all about, but he clearly has plenty of ability. TARZINA (9) surprises me that she is still a maiden given some of the performances she has produced recently. Her third at Kilmore two starts ago after racing in the breeze was a strong effort. Last start, she settled too far back in a race dominated by the leader but still hit the line well. CAPTAIN MILO (1) has had a few issues with his manners and has raced greenly at times. However, if he can put it all together, he looks well placed from the ace barrier. BERYLS BOOTS (3) resumes for the first time since December last year. He produced some competitive performances towards the end of his previous campaign. He may improve with the run but has the experience to be competitive.

BACK: THE SPARKLER (10) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: CATIES SON (2) hit the line strongly last start and should be able to settle into a favourable position from barrier two, giving him plenty of options. HURRIKANE DUSTY (4) has produced mixed performances recently, but when he is at his best he possesses a sharp turn of foot. If he brings his best form, he is a genuine winning chance. GIVE FRED A CLAP (9) is an interesting runner with plenty of ability, although his manners early in his races can cost him valuable ground. The second row draw suits, giving him time and space to settle into his stride. TRYX VIXEN (6) is in career-best form this year. She has had 10 starts since January and has only missed a placing once, which came last start. She performs best when able to lead, which appears less likely from this draw.

OVERVIEW: DISTANT SUN (6) is a smart trotter with a sharp turn of foot. He has excellent gate speed but is equally effective when saved for one run. He was eye-catching winning last start, letting down strongly late, and he has plenty of race map options here. SEBASTIANS WAITING (1) is a quality trotter, although I prefer to see him with clear racing room rather than buried on the fence. Barrier one could prove a little awkward if he is crossed early, but the small field should help. At his best, he is more than capable of winning a race like this. AMOUR MATERNAL (3) resumes after suffering an atrial fibrillation episode last start. She is a quick mare with a nice turn of foot when saved for one run and, if she is close enough turning for home, she will be one to watch late. KARBINE (7) is a quality performer who is racing well when he trots throughout, although the awkward barrier makes the task more difficult. SHES SKY HIGH (2) broke under pressure last start but has good gate speed and should be able to settle in a favourable position and make full use of her speed.

BACK: DISTANT SUN (6) – 2 units (win)