OVERVIEW: BIG RIG SAINT (1) sustained a long run to win nicely at Shepparton three starts ago. He competed in a heat and final series over the past two starts and is likely to find this assignment to be easier so he should prove hard to beat from the pole position. BUDD SIDEWINDER (12) was taken to Tasmania to find some form and produced a big performance to score at Launceston last outing, where he stormed home from last on the home turn. This is a race of more depth but he should be hitting the line strongly again. PARISIAN BANDIT (6) is returning from a successful stint in South Australia. He produced a big finish to score at Globe Derby two starts ago so he must be considered as a winning chance. DIRECT COMMAND (7) raced out three horses wide for the final circuit and battled on fairly well for sixth last week. He was runner up under similar conditions prior and is worth another chance. BYRNESIDE BOOM (9) has winning claims if he puts his best foot forward.  

EARLY SPEED: 5 (likely early leader), 1,7

RATINGS: 1/ 6,7,12/ 9/ 11

OVERVIEW: KING SAINT (8) is awkwardly drawn but he is racing in peak form and should prove hard to beat with normal luck in running. He left a trailing position to move up without cover and went down fighting when a narrow second at Shepparton last week. SIR SONNY MAGUIRE (7) has been unplaced at his past three attempts but he does tend to perform best when he is able to lead so the return to being drawn on the front line is a definite advantage. He led throughout in a slick mile rate of 1.56.4 when he scored at Shepparton on July 01 so he cannot be underestimated. OLLIES MEDAL (10) pushed forward to find the lead and scored in a strong mile rate of 1.56.8 at Geelong two starts ago. He had excuses after making an early error last outing so he is worth another chance. CITY ROCKSTAR (4) is a fast beginner and won a trial at Geelong last week so he is a possible improver.

EARLY SPEED: 7 (possible leader), 2,4

RATINGS: 8/ 7,10/ 4/ 2,9

OVERVIEW: AMARTEY (8) was a runaway winner at Kilmore on July 31 then took on a strong field and battled on well for fourth behind The Sky Is The Limit at Geelong. He is awkwardly drawn but should go well again. HURRICANE KATIE (9) has returned from a spell in career best form and looms as one of the leading chances again. She began well from the outside of the front line, worked to the front and held her rivals safely at bay when a big winner at Shepparton last week. FEEL THE MOMENT (5) joins trainer Chris Svanosio after a second at Globe Derby on August 11. She boasts a consistent record and is drawn to give a forward showing. FREIGHT SHAKER (6) was performing nicely at the trials prior to a first up seventh at Cranbourne, where he broke stride in the back straight and lost his chance. He has ability and is a winning chance if he can deliver a fool proof display.

EARLY SPEED: 1 (likely early leader), 4,5,7

RATINGS: 8,9/ 5,6/ 7/ 4,10

OVERVIEW: HITCH TO HIS STAR (2) is resuming since a ninth behind the classy mare Soap and Bubbles at Bendigo in April. He was an impressive trial winner at Bendigo last week and he strikes a suitable assignment first up so he should prove hard to beat. EEBEEBEE (3) finished off boldly for second behind Turbo Jay at Shepparton two starts ago and will appreciate her best draw for some time so she is capable breaking through for her maiden success. WHENIMREADY (1) disappointed after setting the speed when eighth at Bendigo last week but his form prior was sound and he is drawn to be prominent throughout. JULZ MARIE (8) has the perfect trailing draw behind WHENIMREADY (1) so she should enjoy an economical trip. SHES MAGICAL (9) was caught wide early, restrained to last and did well to pick up ground for fourth at Bendigo last outing. That was her best performance in eleven starts to date and she rates as a value chance.  

EARLY SPEED: 1 (possible leader), 2

RATINGS: 2/ 3/ 1,8/ 9/ 10

OVERVIEW: MISS JOPLIN (1) performed below expectations when resuming since January but she did well when fourth at a Bendigo trial performance on Monday, where she went to the line with something in reserve. She is ideally drawn and should prove hard to beat. TIVOLI (9) sustained a strong run from the second half of the field and scored impressively at Shepparton two starts ago. She is a classy filly and has the speed to test this field. SHARP INTEREST (5) was resuming since May when she began quickly and set up a genuine tempo before being run down on the line in a mile rate of 1.56.5 last week. She should be fitter from that run and should give another forward showing. IM HANK (3) is racing better than his form reads and MANDS PEARL (7) is returning from a successful stint in South Australia.

EARLY SPEED: 1 (possible leader), 4,5

RATINGS: 1,9/ 5/ 3,7/ 4,10

OVERVIEW: FRUGAL FARE (9) will appreciate a massive drop back in class for this assignment and should prove hard to beat. He was heavily backed but broke stride when vying for the lead at Melton two starts ago and he boasts a strong record of seven wins from sixteen starts. OZZIE PUNTA (8) has also been racing at Metropolitan level and should improve on his numerical form. He showed good early speed to lead early, eventually took cover and finished sixth behind the smart pacer Fox Dan at Melton last outing. DAY TWO (3) finished off swiftly to score at Shepparton two starts ago then followed with a third behind the top filly I’ll Be Gone. This race is a little stronger but he should be competitive again. STAG PARTY (1) and BULLDOG KHAN (2) are both fast beginners and are worth thought in multiple combinations.

EARLY SPEED: 2 (likely leader), 1,3,7

RATINGS: 9/ 3,8/ 1,2/ 5

OVERVIEW: JETTER SON (9) is building up a strong record and looms as the horse to beat again. He sustained a long run from the 800m mark and battled on gamely for second behind Ted at Bendigo last week. This race is no harder so he can bounce back into winning form. MERRYWOOD PAUL (6) worked hard to find the lead and was run down on the line when second at Bendigo then recorded a slick mile of 1.54.8 when he won at Cranbourne. He is a good chance of finding the lead again and is worth an investment. ARNIES ARMY (4) has been unplaced in both of his starts since returning from New South Wales but he possesses early speed and is capable of a better performance. CHEERSTOLOU (2) endured a tough trip and ran a cheeky race when sixth behind High Flux last week. He is better drawn for this assignment and is not without a chance.

EARLY SPEED: 6 (possible leader), 1,2,4

RATINGS: 9/ 6/ 2,4/ 1

OVERVIEW: KYVALLEY RAY (7) is still learning but he is very talented and should prove hard to beat if he delivers a fool proof display. He broke stride in the score up and made up many lengths when a big fourth at Melton last week. UNCLAD (6) progressed forward to find the lead and battled on well for third behind Afternoon Breeze last week. He was a big winner at Melton three starts ago and should make his presence felt. BROTHER MOUNTAIN (5) won at his debut then followed with a close up third behind Howdy Mate in the Gavin Lang Trot. He possesses early speed and should give another bold showing. WHAT A SERVE (2) is a fast beginner and battled on well after trailing the leader when second behind Afternoon Breeze two starts ago. She is ideally drawn and is worth an investment.

EARLY SPEED: 2 (possible leader), 5,6

RATINGS: 6,7/ 5/ 2/ 1