OVERVIEW: This is a competitive event with plenty of winning chances to open the Thursday night meeting at Kilmore. BETATHANABOUGHTONE (2) is a lightly raced mare resuming from a spell. She has shown ability at her best and should enjoy a favourable run from barrier two. WAYSAM (3) has had just 10 starts for one win and can still race a little greenly at times. She appears better than her record suggests, trialled well recently and has the gate speed to take advantage of a favourable draw. WHATS GLENDA GOT (9) brings recent winning form and favourable draws into the race. The emergency MONSIEUR FLAMEL (6) gains a start here with some scratchings. He was good last start when he held onto third after a tough run in the breeze at Ballarat. Will need luck from the barrier.

OVERVIEW: MONEY TALKS (7) is in career-best form, winning last start after a series of competitive placings. While the race was run in modest time, he hit the line strongly and looked to have plenty in reserve. He has the confidence to go back-to-back. LITTLE TEDEY (3) has produced several good performances in this grade recently. He is racing consistently and has drawn well. NIGHT SKY (5) resumes for the in-form Donna Castle stable after a break since April. She may improve with the run, but has the class to be competitive first up. LAVENGERS BOY (6) was a strong winner at Bendigo two starts ago before backing it up with a solid fourth at Echuca. He finished strongly after being buried away on the fence and reunites with James Herbertson, with whom he has raced well in the past.

OVERVIEW: ALABAMA ICE (4) is the highest-rated horse in the field (NR 44). He has had two starts this preparation. His first-up run at Shepparton was eye-catching, letting down strongly late, while his latest performance was fair. If he returns to his best, he is a major winning chance. MIKI MARK (8) has been producing a string of solid performances and continues to race well. He will need some luck, however, following out a slow beginner from the second row. ATOMIC GLORY (7) has the best point-to-point speed in this event. He possesses brilliant gate speed but is equally effective when saved for one run. Barrier seven makes things more difficult, although he is capable of pressing forward if connections choose. AARAPS (9) is a versatile performer who can make his own luck in this grade. Barrier nine gives him the opportunity to settle into a suitable position early.

BACK: ALABAMA ICE (4) – 1 unit (win)

OVERVIEW: IMON (2) is first up for Alex Ashwood, who has an excellent record with horses resuming for his stable. Since arriving from New Zealand, he has had eight starts in Australia and has missed a placing just once, when finishing fourth. He looks the horse to beat. ELLIANA (1) has drawn ideally and can enjoy a cosy trip on the fence behind IMON (2). She appeals as a strong place chance. HEAVENLY NIKKY (9) has been unlucky not to break through for her maiden victory, finishing second at her past two starts. She follows out the favourite and should enjoy a favourable run. SEASIDE LADY (5) is rarely far away and continues to race well. She often finds one just a little better, but with the right run she has a sharp turn of foot. Also respecting the Chris Svanosio-trained MISTY ALWAYS (6), who is racing well despite drawing awkwardly. Also noting LETS HIT IT (7), who makes her raceday debut.

BACK: IMON (2) – 3 units (win)

OVERVIEW: CLYMENUS (8) is usually seen competing on Saturday nights and looks well placed back in this company. As the only runner on the back row, he has several race map options. He is an opportunist with a sharp turn of foot and is always a threat when things go his way. HITCH TO HIS STAR (7) is an exciting, progressive gelding with six wins from 16 starts. He possesses a dazzling finishing burst, although the awkward barrier makes his task more difficult. TELERN LOFTY (1) is racing very well and looks to have a bright future. The ace barrier is a significant advantage and should allow him to map favourably. OZZIE CORKA (2) has excellent gate speed and a sharp turn of foot. If he can settle in a favourable position, he is a genuine contender.

BACK: CLYMENUS (8) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW:  This is a quality trot featuring a number of runners in great form. LITTLE MISS VALLEY (5) has been in career-best form this year, recording three wins and two placings from six starts. The only time she has missed a placing was when she galloped under pressure. She is full of confidence and, if she can settle in a favourable position, is capable of continuing her winning form. SAMMY HALLER (4) and ALDEBARAN ZANE (8) are two other runners who also come into this race in good recent form. With the right runs, they are both major winning chances. FARROKH (6) is a smart trotter prepared by Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar. If he can enjoy some luck in running, he is a genuine winning chance. This will be his first appearance at Kilmore. Also respecting SKYBELLA (1) from the ace barrier.

OVERVIEW: FARROH JOE (2) has produced some impressive performances throughout his short career. He has tested himself against smart performers such as the Emma Stewart-trained Staunton, Cardigan Jem and Cardigan Major, without being beaten far. He is a talented maiden who looks to have found an ideal race. JASPER JAY (5) has had two career starts and has performed well on both occasions, but has simply settled too far back. He has shown plenty of ability and should continue to improve with experience. LATHER IN GOLD (7) has had just three career starts and broke through for a strong win at Shepparton last time out. He enjoyed a fence trip before charging home once clear running became available. The awkward barrier is the main challenge here. ROCKLEIGHS LEGACY (4) won a Gold Tiara heat impressively earlier this year. She has contested stronger races since and looks to have found a suitable assignment. Also respecting SMOKEN HEAVEN (1) from the ace barrier.

BACK: FARROH JOE (2) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: BROTHER MOUNTAIN (5) has been in outstanding form this year. Four starts ago, he finished fifth in the rich Nutrien Classic Final before following up with a win and a second. Last start, he returned to New South Wales to contest a Group 2 at Menangle, where he finished a strong second. He looks well placed here. DEEJAY DEX (7) is a talented trotter, but his slow beginnings often leave him with plenty of work to do. He has the best sectional times in this event and is always a threat in this grade if he can settle close enough. VOLSTEADSDELIGHT (3) has been racing well enough, but will need some luck in running. CARTACALHA (1) has the ace barrier to take advantage of and should enjoy a favourable race map. He will need some luck against this opposition, but cannot be left out of the numbers. Also respecting the smart gelding SPIRITED GIGI (2), who looks to map well here.

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

OVERVIEW: WAR DAN PHOENIX (1) been competitive throughout his career, but often finds one or two rivals just a little better. He looks well placed in this company and has the ace barrier to make full use of. PARDRAY (4) is a reliable trotter who rarely, if ever, puts a foot wrong. She has good gate speed and should be able to settle in a favourable position. AMIRA (2) is a well-bred first starter from the in-form Donna Castles stable. She has trialled alright and looks capable of a forward showing on debut. WAITING FOR ANNA (6) is still learning about racing and can make the occasional mistake. If she trots throughout, she has the ability to be competitive. Also respecting the New Zealand-bred, Brent Lilley-trained KYVALLEY REEVA (3).