Races BRX Ewan

Improved sharply when resuming at Townsville, finishing fifth over 1000m after settling back and picking up nicely to be beaten just over a length by Zemoreya on soft ground. That was a much better effort than his second-last at Burrandowan, where he was near the top of betting but beaten just over eight lengths. The 1200m is the query, but he has a live chance.

Has built a consistent preparation, running third at Cairns last start after being sent out favourite and sitting just off the lead before being beaten just over two lengths by Just A Duchess. He had been beaten only a neck there the run prior on soft ground, so the form is sound. Needs to finish it off at 1200m, but the recent form reads well.

Returned with a fourth at Bowen over 1000m, beaten just under five lengths by Ceretti after racing wide throughout, so there was some merit in the effort. His previous run was a plain tenth at Sunshine Coast, beaten just under nine lengths at big odds, and the overall maiden record of one placing from twelve starts keeps the assessment guarded. Still a long-standing maiden and needs improvement.

Returns from a five-week freshening for a new stable after finishing sixth over 1400m at Pakenham Synthetic, where she sat close enough but failed to finish off and was beaten just over five lengths. Her fourth to Rip Current two starts back was stronger, beaten a length and a half after leading. Her fourth two back is good enough if the 1200m suits.

Went close at Atherton six days ago, finishing third in a Class B over 1000m and beaten just over half a length by Verbalize after being slow to begin. That was in picnic grade, so this is harder, and her previous MacKay fifth was beaten just over nine lengths after jumping awkwardly. The quick turnaround keeps her race-fit, but she looks more a place hope.

Needs forgiving for a plain Cairns ninth last start, when she tracked the speed at big odds and offered little late, beaten just over eight lengths by Just A Duchess. Her previous third in a 2-3yo Maiden at Cairns was more competitive, working home evenly to finish three and a half lengths from Monday Close. Claim helps; place claims look stronger than win appeal.

Was last at Cairns first-up, beaten just over nine lengths by Just A Duchess after settling midfield and having no clear excuse. That followed a Gordonvale fifth, beaten nine lengths, so the recent profile is hard to warm to despite some past minor placings. Has placed at 1200m, but recent form leaves plenty to find.

Returns from a five-week freshening after a sound Townsville second, beaten a length and a half by Dark Fae, with stewards noting she was near heels early and raced keenly late. Her prior ninth there was better than it reads after racing wide and being hampered, and she has since won an easy trial at Townsville. Proven at 1200m and has a strong winning profile.

Had excuses at Bowen last start when seventh over 1000m, beginning awkwardly, being steadied and racing keenly before finishing seven and a half lengths from Ceretti at big odds. The Bowen second before that in a small field was better, beaten just under two lengths by Emsies Girl. The 21-start maiden record and 1200m query keep her in the risky camp.

Was beaten just over six lengths in a 3yo Maiden at Townsville last start, but he began slowly and raced wide throughout, so the run is not as plain as the margin suggests. His fourth to Zemoreya two back, beaten just under a length on soft ground, gives him a more appealing reference point, and the 1.5kg claim is useful. His fourth two back was close enough to make him a genuine place hope from barrier one.

Produced a steady third in a 3yo Maiden at Townsville, beaten four lengths by Far And Wide after beginning awkwardly but travelling well into the race. She had also been competitive at Cairns over 950m, finishing fourth and beaten two and a half lengths by Formal Affair. Honest enough for the minors, though winning edge is still developing.

Finished fourth in a 3yo Open at Bowen last start, beaten just over six lengths by Touch Base after settling rearward and making ground in the straight. Her MacKay third in a 3yo Maiden two back was sound, though she was slow away and tightened near the 250m. Still unproven at 1200m and needs to finish stronger.

Has been well held in both starts, most recently tenth at Bowen over 1000m when tightened at the start, wide throughout and beaten just under nine lengths by Ceretti. His MacKay debut was similar, finishing sixth and beaten just over nine lengths after settling rearward at big odds. Needs a sharp lift at the longer trip.

Dropped out badly at Townsville last start, finishing second last over 1400m and beaten over 13 lengths by Okay Zoomer after holding a narrow lead before being swamped. His Bowen debut was also safely held in a small field, beaten just over six lengths by Emsies Girl after jumping awkwardly. Back in trip, but he needs major improvement.

Made some late inroads from well back at Townsville last start, finishing sixth over 1400m and beaten just over two lengths by Okay Zoomer at long odds after beginning slowly. That was better than her Cairns ninth, but the 33-start maiden record is a major knock and she is coming back in trip. Needs plenty to go right.