OVERVIEW: A competitive trot opens a big 10-race card at Bendigo. KYVALLEY MICHAEL (10) is a smart trotter on his day and has the best sectional times in this event. He hit the line well in a stronger race at Melton on Saturday night last start. The barrier is awkward and he will need some luck, but he is racing well. MAJESTIC TOOTH (7) is another runner dropping in class. She has great gate speed and the potential to map positively here. ROCKY VALLEY (9) has been racing well enough and has an ideal barrier to follow through early. ROMANTIC NINA (4) is a nice mare when she trots throughout. She was a last-start winner and comes into this race with confidence. Also respecting progressive mare THE ITALIAN DREAM (1) from the ace barrier, proven performer SAM NIEN (12) and in-form mare SAMMY HALLER (6), who steps up in class here.

OVERVIEW: FINAL BOW (9) is an experienced mare with a nice turn of foot who continues to race competitively. She can follow through into a suitable race map here from barrier nine.  MYNAMEISRUBY (2) has not had the best numerical form recently, but she should be able to take advantage of a favourable fence trip from barrier one if the emergency does not gain a start. The race map suits and she can improve on recent results. NIVEKALON EAGLE (6) has an awkward barrier to overcome, but he comes into this race off a strong win at Cranbourne where he raced in the breeze and proved too tough. If he can secure a suitable trip, he is capable of being competitive again here. KIMCHI (8) should appreciate a more economical run after doing plenty of work last start. He is likely to secure a favourable fence trip here and, with the right luck in running, can be strong through the line late.

BACK: FINAL BOW (9) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: CRACKIN PHILTRA (3) has had just one career start, finishing third at Shepparton in November last year. He settled four back on the fence and, once he gained clear running, hit the line sharply. He has returned this year with two trial victories, albeit in slow times, and should take confidence into his first-up run. FAMOUS CRIMES (1) returned impressively last start after nearly a year on the sidelines. He raced in the breeze and finished strongly for second behind the exciting ZIHUATANEJO. The ace barrier is an added bonus here. AMERICAN GUY (9) produced a nice third placing at Bendigo last start and looks ready to return to the winners' circle. He also has the best sectional times in this event. COCOSWORLD (11) has had three career starts for mixed results. He got his manners wrong early at Ouyen last start, but his previous run was a good win at Shepparton. He has ability, but is still learning about racing and faces an awkward barrier here.

BACK: CRACKIN PHILTRA (3) – 1 unit (win)

OVERVIEW: BROTHER MOUNTAIN (5) won well at Melton last start. Prior to that, he finished fifth in the $125,000 Nutrien Classic Final. He has class and looks well placed here. VOLDAGHA (6) appears to be improving with age and experience. He is racing well, but will need some luck from the barrier. MATISOFF (2) is a lightly raced gelding who is still learning about racing. He has ability and should continue to improve with experience. He was a winner last start, although this is a step up in class. I AM HARRO (8) is a nice horse and was a strong winner last start. He will need some luck from the barrier. Also respecting LUCKY YOU (1) and LITTLE MISS VALLEY (7).

BACK: BROTHER MOUNTAIN (5) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: SEBASTIANS WAITING (9) is first up here, but he won a recent trial at Melton. He has notably the best sectional times in this field based on previous campaigns. Barrier nine suits him, as he is a big horse and it gives him room to settle early. KENNYS SON (6) has been in career-best form since joining the Brent Lilley stable. He has had seven starts for three wins and four placings. The barrier is awkward, but he is racing extremely well. SPIRITED GIGI (3) has ability and looks to be a promising performer. His last two starts have been good and he should be able to map positively from this draw. TRUSCOTTS ELEGANCE (4) is second up this preparation and should improve on her promising first-up fourth at Melton. She has a nice turn of foot and looks capable of featuring prominently here. ZOOLU (6) is also one to respect here if she’s on her best behaviour.

OVERVIEW: KYVALLEY MISTY (9) cannot be overlooked in a race like this based on her ability. She is not the safest trotter and can make mistakes, particularly at the start of her races. However, if she brings her best manners, she is a major threat. MONEY TALKS (6) has finished third at his past three starts. Each of those performances has been full of merit and he looks ready to return to the winners' circle. ALWAYS SKYE HIGH (10) is a last-start winner and has the best sectional times in this event. She will need to overcome barrier ten and trot safely throughout, but she is racing well. MADGE EGAN (5) has raced well despite doing plenty of work in her past two starts and looks a solid each-way chance here.

OVERVIEW: TALISKER SKIPPER (4) is in career-best form, with three wins and two placings from his past six starts. He stepped up in class at Melton last start and performed well for third. Back in a more suitable grade, he looks well placed here. CLASSICALLY SMOOTH (7) never got into the race last start after settling well back on a rain-affected track. He is third up this preparation and should be nearing peak fitness. He is racing better than his form suggests. BLUE CANNON (5) has recorded three good second placings from his past four starts. He is racing well, although he will need some luck from the barrier. TREACHEROUSTIMES (1) has the ace draw and enough gate speed to make full use of it. Glenn Bull’s stable is also racing in great form. Also respecting SPORTING RAGE (2) and WATCH YOUR BACK (9).

BACK: TALISKER SKIPPER (4) – 3 units (win)

OVERVIEW: WILD IDEAL (1) has never drawn barrier one in her career. While she may be a little below her best form, she finds a suitable race to enjoy a fence trip and rebuild some confidence. She also has a number of gear changes here. HAPPENSTBABEACHBOY (8) will need some luck from the barrier, but he has a nice turn of foot and is racing well enough. The James and Ashleigh Herbertson combination commands respect. FAVOURITEHIGHLIGHT (2) may be a nine-year-old, but she is in fantastic form. She is ultra-consistent and should secure a favourable race map from this draw. BETTORSWEETVICTORY (7) was a strong winner last start and has the best sectional times in the field. However, this looks to be a tough assignment from barrier seven over the short trip.

OVERVIEW: SUMTHIN ELSE (5) may not have been in the winners' circle recently, but her recent performances have all been solid. She has enough gate speed to map positively, despite the barrier looking awkward on paper. This looks a suitable race for her. MIDNIGHT ALIBI (4) is having her third start for Alex Ashwood. She got her manners wrong at her first run for the stable, but was far too good when winning her maiden impressively at her second start. This is a step up in grade, but it looks one she should be capable of handling. MADAM REACTOR (3) is a last-start winner with excellent gate speed. If she can find the front or secure cover, she will be a major chance. However, being caught in the breeze would be a concern, as she is better suited when not having to race tough. RAKAROMPA (8) is a nice mare at her best and was uncharacteristically below her usual standard last start. If she can return to her best form, she is right in the mix. Respecting TRYX VIXEN (6) and her winning form here. Also noting MIKIS PLEASURE (9), who is first up for Freddy Taiba. If she can recapture the form she showed earlier in her career, she is a winning chance.

OVERVIEW: MISTER DEVEREAUX (6) finished second last start behind BROTHER MOUNTAIN in a much stronger race than this. He has good gate speed and returns to maiden company here, which looks a significant advantage. RIPPING RONALDO (8) got it wrong when galloping on debut last start, but his trial form has been encouraging. He clearly has ability, but needs to put it all together mentally. If he brings his manners, he is a genuine chance. Outside of MISTER DEVEREAUX (6) and RIPPING RONALDO (8), the remainder of the field appears quite even. LOVE DANCIN (4) also made a mistake on debut and will need to improve her manners. Her trial form makes her difficult to assess, but we should learn more about her here. VOUCHER QUEEN (2) can take advantage of barrier two and should secure a favourable run.

BACK: MISTER DEVEREAUX (6) – 2 units (win)