OVERVIEW: ASSIGNED (2) comes here off a strong win at Kilmore where he was able to lead all the way comfortably after getting control and dashing home. He had a flat tyre prior to that and three back here was favourite and was a little plain, to be fair, from the same draw. The map is favourable for him again to roll forward over the short trip and take some catching.

OWEN THE SAINTS (5) has been racing in terrific form of late, winning 2 from 4, and has been versatile in those performances. There’s speed underneath him, but if he can get a nice map, he will be strong late. JILLIBY ILLUSION (3) was well supported into odds-on favourite last start at Maryborough, and although she looked to have her chance, they did run time there. She’s a chance again from the favourable draw. DEMBE (1) is a last-start winner at Wagga where he sat parked and was too good, in what seemed a weaker race than he meets here. The soft draw and good map will give him every chance. RONNIE THE HAMMER (4) is an interesting runner, first up from a break off two average trials. He is a horse who’s shown nice ability in stronger races than this, so any market push creates interest. The chances don’t end there, with KING SAINT (7) and INTERPRETATION (11) both racing well; they just have tricky draws to overcome.