OVERVIEW: DIAMOND ECLIPSE (3) will no doubt have a look at the lead, being a speedy type off the arm with James Herbertson aboard. He’s also dropping back from tougher company and difficult draws at Melton, including racing in FFA company last time out. He looks well placed under this ratings scale and is open to sharp improvement. TELEMACHUS (1) drops back to provincial grade after racing in strong company at Melton, and the last time he did that he was a winner at Ballarat in July, when able to lead all the way from the same draw. He’s a horse who’s been in the Black Book for quite some time, but often strikes a difficult field, map or luck in running. He does again face some handy types, but he should get his chance late to bounce back to winning form. HOT DEAL (5) is clearly the best-rated horse in the event, almost double much of the opposition on the class scale. His map looks a little sticky in terms of finding cover, but he must be respected. THESTATESMAN (9) is the knockout horse should those off the front row overcook things. Whilst he’s commonly viewed as being at his best in front, sectionally he can come home strongly with the right tempo. HELLOVATIME (2) has a soft draw but is up in class, while AMPHIJET (4) will come out hard and be map-dependent, but both have minor claims.

BACK: DIAMOND ECLIPSE (3) – 2.5 units (win)