OVERVIEW: This is a good race, but the barrier draw leaves the in-form FAIRPLAY (2) as the horse to beat. He comes into one with the scratching of the emergency and picks himself based off the two impressive wins to start the preparation. He rounded up his rivals from off speed first-up on July 4, and then sat parked for the last lap before pulling clear for a huge victory a fortnight later. SOHO DARKNSTORMY (5) might have the speed to cross him at the start, but he still goes on top. HOORAH PHILTRA (8) is flying for Ashleigh Herbertson and has cut late ground off good horses such as Apollostorm, Some American and The Art Of Success his last three. He’s a real threat from the peg-line draw. GOOD TOBE LOCKSLEY (11) struggled a bit at free-for-all grade last time but his prior form is outstanding in this type of grade, while reigning Ararat Pacing Cup champ ATA RANGI (9) has trialled up nicely ahead of his return and is among a host of others that wouldn’t shock like LE BELLE BIJOUX (12) and LET HER ROLL (13).

BACK: HOORAH PHILTRA (8) – 1.5 units (each-way)