FIANO (10) is first-up after a short spell but was in brilliant form prior. Her personal sectional times stand out in this field and the Alex Ashwood team are flying. REIGN EM IN (5) was checked out of contention last start, so that run can be ignored. His efforts prior were strong and he has great gate speed, with top driver James Herbertson taking the reins. INTERPRETATION (6) has been brilliant winning her past two starts but faces an awkward barrier here. FLOJOS BEST (9) has a suitable draw to map into a midfield position and finish off strongly late.

BACK: FIANO (10) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: QUIRKY CHARACTER (10) looks a classy, progressive type who continues to improve each preparation. He will need to navigate a tricky barrier but has the ability to do so. BUSLIN BRODY (2) is a strong front-running trotter who maps to be prominent early and will be hard to run down if he finds the lead. CHARLESTON AVENUE (5) is a last-start winner from a leading trotting stable, though the map is a little awkward for him here. DEEJAY DEX (9) was eye-catching first-up earlier this month when finishing second at Maryborough and should improve with that run under his belt.

BACK: QUIRKY CHARACTER (10) – 3 units (win)

OVERVIEW: MISS PIGGY WIGGY (4) hit the line strongly last start at Ballarat when finishing second and has the best recent sectional times in this field. She lacks early gate speed, but if she can secure a forward position, she looks the one to beat. KIMCHI (8) and TEX GOES BANG (9) are both reliable performers and last-start winners. They will need to overcome back-row draws, but with the right run, both have the ability to win. SALSBOY (5) has been racing better than his numerical form suggests. He possesses a sharp sprint and good gate speed, giving him options here.

BACK: MISS PIGGY WIGGY (4) – 2 units (win)

OUR MYSTERY BET (3) and FAVOURITEHIGHLIGHT (1) have the strongest recent sectional times in this field over their past five starts. Neither possesses sharp gate speed, but both should still map forward from their barriers. If close enough, OUR MYSTERY BET (3) especially will be flashing home late. MYNAMEISRUBY (2) has good gate speed and looks to map well from barrier two. LITTLEBLABBAMOUTH (7) is a smart performer at his best, though he appears a little below his peak form at present. The barrier is tricky, but he

OVERVIEW: MIDNIGHT MUSCLE (6) was solid last start, hitting the line strongly into second at Maryborough. He’s been quite consistent recently and if he brings his best he’s the one to beat. MADGE EGAN (7) was a winner three starts back when doing it tough in the breeze at Maryborough. From an awkward barrier, he will likely need to make his own luck again. HESTUFFENOUGH (5) won his maiden two starts ago with a career-best performance before breaking out of contention at his following start. If he can reproduce his best here, he is a genuine chance. WHATS THE TEA (3) steps out for his 144th career start and, if he can find a forward position and trot throughout, is always a chance in these types of fields.

OVERVIEW: FULL CRUNCH AHEAD (2) was good on debut when second at Cobram in December but he was a bit green. He would have improved from that run with the experience. MYSTIC MOTIVER (7) is a first starter but won a trial at Bendigo. Tricky barrier to navigate here but she could impress first up. CROCODILE BLOOD (4) is yet to breakthrough with his maiden win, but he seems to be getting better each start. His own times have been good. He will need luck but he’s a chance here. FIVE CENT (3) has been racing ok, especially two starts back when second at this track. It was the only time he’s raced at Bendigo and comes back for this run.

BACK: FULL CRUNCH AHEAD (2) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: BILLY ZIPPIN (7) is a smart trotter, but his manners have likely limited his winning record. He galloped away when first-up last start. Sticking with him here is a risk, but if he trots throughout, he looks the best horse in the race. MISS AVENGER (4) runs well when able to reel off even quarters. She has won previously when flashing home off a slow final quarter and her recent efforts have been sound. PLAYA DEL CARMEN (6) also has questionable manners and, like Billy Zippin, will need everything to go right. MACHO MAORI (8) drops sharply in class here. A seven-win trotter, he has been out of the winner’s circle for some time but should appreciate returning to this level.

OVERVIEW: ROCKNROLL COWBOY (6) is a lightly raced gelding chasing his maiden win. He was checked last start, but his personal sectional times prior to that were the best in the field. He will need some luck from barrier six, but this shapes as a suitable race to break through. IMA TIGGY TIGER (5) hit the line well two starts ago at Parkes before getting it wrong with her manners last start. If she brings her best, she is a genuine winning chance. WICKED ONE (7) showed promise on debut, settling back but still hitting the line reasonably well. He will improve from that run, though the barrier is tricky. SWEET FACE (1) is yet to win a race but can make use of the ace draw here.

BACK: ROCKNROLL COWBOY (6) – 1 unit (win)