OVERVIEW: The big one is the $250,000 SEN Victoria Cup at Group 1 level and it looks set to be dominated by wonder mare CAPTAINS MISTRESS (3) after she landed a very favourable gate at Tuesday’s barrier draw. She is the reigning Inter Dominion champion after beating all-time great Leap To Fame in a memorable final in July and returned from a freshen with a front-running success at Menangle on October 3. It’s hard to see a world where she doesn’t lead and win to give Jason Grimson and Cameron Hart a second victory in the race after taking it with Swayzee in 2024. KINGMAN (8) is the defending Victoria Cup champion, ran a great race for second behind CAPTAINS MISTRESS (3) on October 3 and would have been a genuine threat from a better gate, CATCH A WAVE (9) is the winningest Group 1 starter in the field with eight and can be lethal late from two on the second row, while FIGHTER COMMAND (6), fast beginner NYACK (5), the well-drawn SMOKEN ACE (2) and last weekend’s Smoken Up Sprint winner BULLETPROOF BOY (4) are among the rest of the chances who are all probably running for second and third.

BACK: KINGMAN (8) – 2 units (place)