OVERVIEW: This is a very competitive event to open the meeting at Ballarat. COLOSIMO (9) is a lightly raced runner for the Lawlor stable. Although he has won only once, he looks a promising type with plenty of ability. He is first-up since June but has the best sectional times on exposed form in this event. Barrier nine suits fresh, as he won’t need to be used up early. MASTER LOUEY (4) is a well-bred, consistent colt for Jayne Davies. He ran a nice third in the Vicbred Super Series 3yo Colts and Geldings Bronze two starts ago. He appeared to hang out up the straight at Cranbourne last start when racing in tight quarters. With the right run, he is a winning chance. WINGATE GUY (3) is an experienced horse who is racing well and rarely puts in a bad run. He can make his own luck. BLUE MIKI (2) has found his best form recently and is progressing nicely. His good gate speed should allow him to map well here. Also respecting EL LAZZAR (11), who was impressive winning first-up for Lochie Cook last start, and FLIGHT LOUTENANT (6), who is first-up here for Jess Tubbs.

BACK: COLOSIMO (9) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: CALABASAS (10) is a trotter with a few quirks, but she has ability. Last start, she showed her best, looping the field late and hitting the line strongly to win. She will need to overcome a tricky barrier here, but she is racing well. NIGHT FLIGHT (7) is in career-best form. He is a nice trotter who usually relies on his great gate speed to map well early. However, with fast beginner Champagnes drawn to his inside, he may need to adopt different tactics and step outside his usual racing pattern. NO TELLING HEATHER (8) is in great form, having won her last two starts. Barrier eight is awkward, though. Also respecting KAMARAN (9) as he is a tough horse and has an ideal barrier to follow through early. The emergency TICTOK (11), is would be a winning chance if she gains a start. CHAMPAGNES (6) got it wrong with her manners last start, but she is a nice mare. Her good gate speed should allow her to map well here. 

BACK: CALABASAS (10) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: HEAVENLY GEM (5) is a talented filly who looks to have an exciting future. She was brilliant throughout the Vicbred Super Series and has followed that up with two nice placings. However, she was a little rough last start, and that could be her undoing if it happens again here. HOSO MAGIC (1) has been racing well and has shown promise. Barrier one should allow her to get a good trip. WHITEHAVEN BOY (2) is an interesting runner. He began his career in the Vicbred Super Series, where he performed well. He was beaten just over 14 metres in his second career start in a Vicbred semi-final, which was a smart effort for a horse with so little experience. He was a good third last start and looks promising. ULTIMATE DELITE (3) finished an OK fourth in her first and only career start. She should improve with race fitness and experience.

BACK: HEAVENLY GEM (5) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: WICHITA KANSAS (9) got back into the winner’s circle nicely last start at this track. He settled in the 1-1 and hit the line well. He will likely map in a similar position here. PICKLE IT (7) has a tricky barrier but has notably the best sectional times in this field based on some of his runs this preparation. With luck, he is a winning chance. THE REGULATOR (4) has been racing well and rarely puts in a bad run. He hit the line nicely last start but was too far back. If he can map well, he should be close again. SIR CANDY CLOUD (1) has the gate speed and the ace barrier to his advantage here.

OVERVIEW: ASONGOFTHEHEART (2) is a promising young trotter for Katrina Fitzpatrick. He has recorded two nice thirds from his two career starts to date. This is his first front-row barrier, and he looks unlikely to remain a maiden for long. WEDGE TAIL EAGLE (8) is a lightly raced gelding who has shown promise at times. He let down impressively from well back last start. LEZAMA (1) can get it wrong with her manners, but when she trots well, she looks to have something to offer. Barrier one suits if she can trot throughout. ITALIAN THUNDER (3) has got it wrong with his manners at every career start, although his trial before racing was promising. He is a winning chance if he trots throughout.

BACK: ASONGOFTHEHEART (2) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: RIDDLEMETHIS (6) was first-up last start and finished second at Kilmore. He looped the field late from last and stormed home in a very close finish. He should improve with fitness. HOME AND DRY (4) was below his best last start, dropping back to last late at Ballarat. His previous runs were good, and if he can bounce back to his best here, he will be prominent. Similarly, TOMMYS LOOKOUT (5) was a little below his best last start after a tough run. He worked hard to find a position but tired late. He is usually a horse who can make his own luck, and if he finds his best form, he is a winning chance. SKYZ ABOVE (7) has a good turn of foot when saved for one run. She also has good gate speed and is usually at her best when she can find the fence, but that may be difficult from barrier seven.

OVERVIEW: BILLYS TIGER KHAN (2) is an exciting performer with plenty of ability. He is lightly raced, having had only 12 starts since 2024, but hasn’t raced for more than 440 days. His ability suggests he can be very competitive here, although fitness is the main query. THINKFAST RUNFAST (1) is another runner resuming after a long break, having been away from racing for 420 days. He has gate speed and has shown ability, but like Billys Tiger Khan, his lack of race fitness could be his undoing. EXOTIC CHESTER (6) is having his sixth career start and appears to be improving with each run. He led last start and was narrowly beaten late, although barrier six is awkward here. JUST PEDRO (4) covered an extra 40 metres while racing wide last start and was beaten only 7.5 metres. He is racing well but has been a little unlucky with his race map.

OVERVIEW: DREAMS FOREVER (4) is a two-year-old filly who raced in the breeze for the final lap on a rain-affected track against older mares last start and tired a little late. Although beaten 17.7 metres, it was still a respectable effort. She competed in the Vicbred Super Series prior to that and is racing better than her numerical form suggests. THEROUX (1) is a little below his best form but certainly isn’t running bad races. He hit the line well last start after settling well back early and can turn his form around from barrier one. FREAK OUT (2) was searching for racing room late last start but let down nicely once clear. He has a good barrier here and the gate speed to hold a forward position. Also respecting SUPER CODE (5), who has been racing well and isn’t afraid to make his own luck.