OVERVIEW: PATNWILL (1) looks a good each-way or value play from the ace barrier. While he rises in class, he has the gate speed to map positively and should be well suited over the short trip. JESSICAS STORY (9) has finished outside the top four just once in her past 10 starts. She is in fantastic form and should be able to settle into a favourable position from barrier nine. DONA AMALIA (8) is a nice mare having her third run back this preparation. She got her manners wrong last start, so that performance can be overlooked. She will be fitter now and, if she trots throughout and enjoys some luck in running, she is right in the mix. FLING IT RAINBOW (2) looks a solid first four chance from the favourable draw if saved for one run. Also respecting SHAQ THE ANVIL (7) and LOVE ME AGAIN (11), although both will need to be on their best behaviour and overcome wide barriers over the short trip.

BACK: PATNWILL (1) – 2 units (place)

OVERVIEW: This looks an even contest, making it difficult to narrow the chances down to just four runners. ARE WEASLEY (1) has been racing well despite some tough runs recently. He has drawn barrier one only once in his career and was successful on that occasion. If he can hold a forward position and take advantage of the ace draw, he is a genuine winning chance. WEREGOINGTOGETCHA (5) has raced in several states and returns to Victoria after a dominant last-start victory at Globe Derby. He won from the breeze on that occasion and comes into this race full of confidence. RETURN SERVE (10) weakened after a tough run last start, but his previous performances were solid. If he can return to his best and enjoy some luck in running, he is capable of flashing home late. TALISKER SKIPPER (4) is in fantastic form, having won or placed at six of his past seven starts. He looks well placed to continue that form here.

OVERVIEW: COVERED IN GOLD (9) is third up this preparation for Chris Svanosio. At his first run back, he was badly held up and looked likely to win with clear running. Last start he settled well back on the fence and never got into the race. Barrier nine allows him to follow through early and he has the best sectional times in this event. He looks hard to beat. SHAQ (7) is a 27-time winner who drops back into a more suitable grade. He is racing well enough, but will need some luck from the barrier. SPUN SILVER (3) is second up and should be closer to peak fitness. She has good gate speed and a sharp turn of foot, so should be able to map positively. ELIZAJANE (8) was unlucky last start but has been racing well. She will need some luck from the barrier.

BACK: COVERED IN GOLD (9) – 3 units (win)

OVERVIEW: ZEALYN (2) has the best sectional times in this event on exposed form. He has enough gate speed to find the front or secure the fence and looks well placed. ALL DONE TARA (7) produced an improved performance when finishing second in a much stronger race at Ballarat last start. She stormed home impressively and, with some luck from the barrier, looks a genuine winning chance. ALLOA (1) is a first starter who can take advantage of the ace barrier. He finished last in a Shepparton trial, so we will learn more about him under race conditions. HEAVENLY NIKKY (6) is one of the more experienced runners in this maiden, having her 23rd start. She has gone close on several occasions and finds a suitable race here. Also respecting STOLEN DIAMOND (5), who performed well when fourth on debut and should improve from that run, along with TARZINA (3), who is racing well.

BACK: ZEALYN (2) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: SWAYWITHSIERRA (4) is racing in consistent form, having placed at her past five starts. She regularly finishes her races off strongly when saved for one run and looks the type that will not remain a maiden for much longer. BUNGY (2) has shown glimpses of brilliant speed and ability throughout his seven-start career. He has good gate speed and should be able to find the front here. DEMARTINO (6) is the intriguing runner in the field. He is a first starter by champion sire Captaintreacherous, while his dam is a sister to Lazarus. He is bred to be a quality performer and has trialled well leading into his debut. ARUVAL (5) and TAKAO (1) are both racing well enough and look solid first four chances.

BACK: SWAYWITHSIERRA (4) – 1.5 units (win)

OVERVIEW: CRACKIN PHILTRA (3) has had two career starts for a third and an impressive first-up victory last start. He should improve again from that performance and looks a great chance to make it back-to-back wins. MIDNIGHT ALIBI (4) has been excellent at his past two starts, winning both since joining the Alex Ashwood stable. He is in flying form, but is a slow beginner and may give CRACKIN PHILTRA (3) too much of a head start. SWEET GEM (2) has had two career starts for two solid performances and looks a progressive type. IM BIG BUSINESS (7) is racing in great form and performing well, but faces a tricky barrier in a competitive field.

BACK: CRACKIN PHILTRA (3) – 1.5 units (win)