Races BRX Ewan

Returns from a lengthy spell after a seventh in a Benchmark 65 at Townsville over 1200m, beaten five and a half lengths when near the top of betting. The run prior had more merit, with a held-up fifth in a Benchmark 55 before picking up late. Back to 1000m helps, but he will need to be sharp fresh.

Steps up from picnic grade after finishing fifth as a short odds-on favourite in a Class B at Atherton, beaten a length and a half after being tightened on jumping. He had previously justified strong support with a dominant 2yo+ Maiden win at Mt Garnet, beating Silverturn by just over four lengths. Must lift stepping up from picnic grade.

Arrives in winning form, having scored by a nose at Mareeba before being run down late when second to Excelboom in a Benchmark 55 at Bowen, beaten just under two lengths. He is race-fit and normally makes his own running, which keeps him honest at this trip. Honest place profile if he holds that form.

Comes through solid Benchmark 55 form, most recently fifth at Townsville when beaten just under four lengths after beginning awkwardly and failing to quicken. Her MacKay fourth two back was sound enough, with some early and mid-race bumps before making ground without threatening. Weight is the query, but she rates highly here.

Had a genuine excuse when fifth in a Benchmark 55 at Townsville last week, beaten just under three lengths after being held up from the home turn to the 200m. His previous Open run over 1200m was also better than market expectations, making ground despite being unwanted. Winning rider returns and the veteran has a live chance.

Resumed with more merit than the margin suggests in a 3-4yo Open at Townsville, beginning awkwardly, being steadied from the 600m and still making solid inroads to finish fifth, beaten just under five lengths. His Rockhampton run before a break was plain, but that was also in 3yo Open grade. Easier grade gives him a strong platform second-up.

Was well beaten in a 3yo+ Class 6 at Cairns last start, finishing last by over 15 lengths after settling back and weakening in a poor run to the line. The start prior was also plain in a Benchmark 55, beaten just under eight lengths. Needs a major turnaround despite the class relief.

Closed off from well back when fifth in a Benchmark 55 at Bowen, beaten four and a half lengths after beginning awkwardly. She had been second over 1180m at Home Hill before the break, so there is some recent substance, but the 1000m profile is a major concern with no placings from nine tries. Needs to find more.

Had excuses when tenth in a Benchmark 55 at Townsville, racing wide throughout and being steadied near the 500m before finishing just fair, beaten just over six lengths.

Returns from a four-month break after a poor 3yo Open run at Townsville over 1300m, where she was slow away, raced wide early and was beaten over 11 lengths. Her previous third in the same grade, beaten a neck on soft ground, reads far better, and she has trialled at Townsville in recent weeks. Place claims only.

Has been last at his past two runs, most recently in a Benchmark 55 at Bowen where he was beaten just over seven lengths at big odds after beginning awkwardly. The Atherton run prior was worse again, beaten over 15 lengths. The 1000m record is also against him.

Was fourth in a Benchmark 55 at Bowen last start, beaten three and a half lengths after beginning awkwardly, racing wide early and laying in up the straight. His Prairie second two back, beaten a nose by Snipillicious, was much sharper. Needs to bring his Prairie run back.