OVERVIEW: PARINI (4) finds a winnable race to break his maiden after showing some promise in his five career starts, where often he hasn’t found an ideal set-up. He had nothing go his way first up, checked twice in running and crowded when making a run in the straight. He hasn’t shown gate speed to date, but this looks to be his most favourable opportunity to look for a forward spot and get every chance to break through.

MAJOR FRIEND (11) has been racing well from better draws but goes from the pole to the outside of the back row. His form is better than most, so even though he’ll need luck, he warrants consideration. SON OF A BROAD (9) is first up from a break off a solid trial and, last preparation for the new stable, showed marked improvement, narrowly missing out twice when an odds-on favourite. Even though he will come on in fitness, the trailing draw and middle distance are in his favour. At the minor end, JUST MY LUCK (2) can improve as he’s likely to get a good trip, and it’s hard to know what to make of 2yo filly CARTIMANDUA (6), who was okay on debut but was quite poor when stepping up in grade since, while her trial wasn’t ideal. SLOWBURN (3) would also come into minor calculations with any scratchings.

BACK: PARINI (4) – 2 units (win)