OVERVIEW: TECHYS WISH (6) started her career in winning fashion on October 17 at West Wyalong. She ran a fast last quarter in 27.6 after leading. This is a step up to racing the older mares, but she looks to have some class. ROCK POSTER (9) is the best-rated horse in this field and gets into the field with a claim drive from Riley Pace. She has had three starts back this preparation and won nicely last start at Kilmore. That was Riley’s first drive on the mare, and they looked to click well. She found gaps late, flashing home from last to win comfortably. MISS PIGGY WIGGY (5) is a mare with a nice turn of foot who is racing well. She worked forward, led and won comfortably three starts ago at Shepparton. Last start, she was narrowly beaten after sustaining a strong three-wide trip. She is racing well. OVER THE LINE (8) comes into this race nicely if she gets some luck. She has been checked in her last two starts, so you can put a line through those runs. Before that, she won well at Charlton when flashing home from last. She performs well for Ewa Justice, who takes the reins here. Also respecting the NSW visitor KEAYANG LADYBUG (2) from the barrier.

OVERVIEW: This looks to be a very even field, which will benefit horses who can find some luck here. ALDEBARAN MISTIQUE (6) is a nice mare who does rely on a bit of luck, but she’s consistent and rarely runs a bad race. Donna Castles’ team is performing nicely. If she can slot into a good position, she is right in this. KALARNEY PRINCE (4) is the flashy grey who is hard to miss. He’s been racing at his best recently. He had to do it tough last start but still battled on well for fourth. ALDEBARAN MARCUS (7) is stuck on the fence here, but he is a nice horse in this grade. If he can get close enough, he will be right there in the finish. WOMAN TO LOVE (5) was probably hoping for a better barrier here, but much like many of the other runners in this field, if she can find some luck with the race map, she is a winning chance. Also respecting PATNWILL (3), who could be a good-value performer here if he can find the fence with his nice gate speed. JAKEE BOY (9) is also a smart trotter, but he can do things wrong.

OVERVIEW: It’s hard to narrow it down to just four runners here. Trainer Jeff Tabone has two interesting runners in this event, EVERY CENT COUNTS (1) and FEAR THE MISSUS (2). They both have very similar form, with two starts each in the heats and final of the $100,000 Australian Pacing Gold series in June. FEAR THE MISSUS (2) finished last in his final in a race won by the exciting CARDIGAN SNIPER, while EVERY CENT COUNTS (1) finished a well-beaten fourth in her final, which was won by super filly IDEAL FRANKIE. Both their final runs were not bad performances in such tough fields, particularly given their limited experience heading into the races. They have both won Bacchus Marsh trials and find a much easier race here first-up. I’m probably sticking with FEAR THE MISSUS (2) on top, but it is hard to split the two. SONOFPLATINUM (4) looks to be getting better with each start, and I’ve quite liked his last two runs. Two starts ago, he flashed home along the sprint lane from well back to finish a close second. Last start, he was held up late, but once he got out, he let down nicely. With some luck here, we could see the best version of this horse. JUST MY LUCK (7) did all the work last start and was beaten by some swoopers late, but he’s racing OK. LUNA ROSSA (9) and ALCATRAZ MISS (8) are also winning chances.

BACK: FEAR THE MISSUS (2) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: TRYX VIXEN (2) is a smart filly who got back into the winner’s circle last start. Her run was huge. She drew barrier 11 and was wide for most of the race, covering an extra 45 metres. Barrier two is much better, and a gear change has been noted, with the headcheck removed and a different bit applied. MAJOR ORION (1) looks to be her biggest danger here from the barrier. She raced in the breeze last start outside feature race-winning smart filly Delizioso and still battled on strongly for third. The fence is the place to be on this track, and that’s where she will be. WHERES WOOD WOOD (4) is racing well, having won two of her last three starts. Last start, she finished fifth, but she was held up going into the straight and still let down OK. Trainer Wayne Lear is chasing his 100th training victory here. TOORAM DANNY (6) is a smart horse who is lightly raced and in good form. He rarely runs a bad race, but his barrier is difficult here.

BACK: TRYX VIXEN (2) – 3 units (win)

OVERVIEW: LENNY LINCOLN (7) is first-up here for NSW trainer Darrell Hillier after racing for most of his career in Queensland. He is a 10-time winner and won a recent trial for his new team at Leeton. He will likely appreciate the change in scenery, but he’s a bit of a risk here first-up. COLBY ART (6) is another horse who is first-up for a new trainer here. He’s spent the last few years in Tasmania and is now in Victoria in the care of local trainer Wayne Lear. He could appreciate the change in scenery too, but it is a tricky barrier first-up. YANKEE BABE (1), despite not having the best numerical form, has the best sectional times in this field. The fence trip suits on this track, but my only concern is that she can lack gate speed, and GOODTIME MAE (2), TREACHEROUSTIMES (4) and COLBY ART (6) can all fly the arm. METRO MEMORY (8) is a good sit sprinter who rarely runs a bad race and gets a good barrier to follow through early. Also respecting ENABLE ME (3), who was second when returning last start and should improve here.

OVERVIEW: ELIZAJANE (5) is a smart performer for trainer-driver Tasmyn Potter, who has a great record with her small team. She finished fifth last start at Kilmore after being held up late, but she let down nicely once she had clear air. Her previous start was a nice win at Shepparton. With some luck from the barrier, she’s a massive winning chance. JOHN WAYNE (1) steps out for the 100th time here. He’s been a bit unlucky in his recent runs, but that should change here with his good barrier. JILLIBY ILLUSION (6) was an OK third behind the smart DEMBE last start at Shepparton. He is racing well but will need to overcome the tricky barrier. MOMENTUM SHIFT (4), KEAYANG SANTIAGO (3) and MAXY CAN DANCE (2) are also good options for the exotics if they get a good run.

BACK: ELIZAJANE (5) – 3 units (win)

OVERVIEW: CLASSIC FAIR (7) was second last start at Shepparton. He found the front at the 400m but was run down by 1.9 metres later by the smart Abbie. He has ability when he puts it all together, but his manners are a concern. MOONSHINE LOUIE (4) is a consistent performer who has rarely finished outside the top five recently. He will need some luck to win, but he is racing well. WHITERING (5) is a pacing-bred trotter who has had only two career starts. On debut, he won at Cranbourne when sprinting along the sprint lane. Last start, he looked to be running well in the breeze at Maryborough but galloped under pressure late. He clearly has ability, but he looks to wear spreaders, so it’s likely he hits his knee, which is a slight worry over the tight Echuca track. SYDTHESLOTH (3) is second-up here, and I am expecting an improved performance with added fitness following his first-up fourth at Shepparton, where he travelled well and let down nicely.

BACK: CLASSIC FAIR (7) – 2 units (win)