Races BRX Ewan

Won an Open over 1123m at Mareeba last start, beating Gamadale Nip by a long neck after being sent out an odds-on favourite. This is harder after that picnic-grade success and he rises to 63kg, but his 1000m record is excellent and he is effective on good ground. Each-way hope.

Held a commanding lead at Bowen last start but was claimed and finished third in an Open over 1200m, beaten just over two lengths as favourite. The run prior at Townsville was similar, leading to the turn and holding fourth behind Turn Bird on soft ground. Back in trip suits but he needs to find a sharper closing response.

Had excuses when third at Birdsville last start, with the stewards noting he was bumped, raced keenly, steadied and was held up late before being beaten just over two lengths by Hello World. Two back he won an Open at Cairns on soft ground by three lengths from Machine Head at long odds. Proven at Ewan and fit, so in the mix.

Placed again in a 3yo+ Class 6 at MacKay last start, beginning well and leading before finishing third, beaten a length and a half by Contemporary. He had earlier run third in a Benchmark 70 at Cairns behind Lowlands, carrying 61.5kg and beaten just over a length. Clear winning case despite another beaten-favourite tag.

Eases back from a provincial Open after being beaten a nose by Master Montaro at Townsville, where he led and looked home before being nailed late. His Cairns run two back was plain when sixth behind Lowlands in a Benchmark 70, and he also lost to Admitted there. A previous Ewan win is a plus, but he is better framed as a genuine place chance.

Steps up from picnic company after a comfortable Cloncurry Open win over 1200m, beating Media Empire by three and a half lengths as a well-supported favourite. He had also won a Benchmark 65 at McKinlay over 1200m two back. Comes back to 1000m and is unplaced in all 15 starts on good tracks, so this is a tougher test.

Returns from a three-month break after finishing tenth in a Benchmark 70 at MacKay, beaten four and a half lengths at long odds after beginning slowly and settling rearward. He had also missed away when last over 1200m there on soft ground, although he did make some late ground. Distance record helps, but he needs a much cleaner return.

Drops from provincial company after going under by a head in a Townsville Class 3 as a well-supported favourite, travelling well behind the lead and only being pipped late by Latin Boss. The Cairns Benchmark 60 win before that had merit, as he raced wide without cover yet still beat Canny Prospect by just over two lengths. Weight relief offsets the slight 1000m query.

Comes off a six-day back-up after finishing fifth in a Benchmark 65 at Atherton, beaten seven and a half lengths despite being near the top of an open market. His previous Innisfail third behind Mclovin was sound and he is proven at 1000m, with three Ewan placings also in the book. Proven at 1000m and has placed here, but needs a better effort.