Races BRX Ewan

Returns from a six-week freshening after finishing fourth in a Class 5 over 1400m at Rockhampton, beaten just under three lengths by Bold Artic after beginning slowly and racing keenly. He had also been placed there in a Benchmark 65, but was a short odds-on favourite that day. Class drop helps, but he was a beaten favourite at Rockhampton and 61kg keeps him to a place hope.

Held his form well in a 3yo+ Class 6 at Cairns last start, pressing forward and leading until late before finishing fourth, beaten a length and a half by Miss Moneypenny. That followed a Benchmark 65 third on soft ground when just run down late. The claim helps, and he looks one of the main winning chances.

Worked home fairly at Townsville last week when fifth in a Class 5 over 1000m, beaten four and a half lengths by Metalcraft after being bumped at the start. Two back he was seventh behind Garinion Righ and was beaten by Stokomo in the same race. Needs to find more late.

Had legitimate excuses when sixth in a Benchmark 70 at Townsville, beginning slowly and striking home-turn interference before finishing two and a half lengths from Chartwell. His Cairns fourth in 3yo+ Class 3 company was sound enough, but he has yet to place from five starts at 1200m. The 1200m record is the query for win purposes.

Went within a nose of winning a Benchmark 70 at Townsville, leading and only being claimed on the post by Chartwell at generous odds. His prior fourth behind Garinion Righ had merit given he was checked on jumping and steadied mid-race. Still chasing a 1200m win, but his recent form makes him a major player.

Finished second last in a Benchmark 55 at Townsville over 1000m, beaten just over nine lengths by Kickoff after beginning slowly and making no impression. She was also unwanted when ninth behind Garinion Righ the run prior. Others bring stronger claims.

Returns from a five-week freshening after finishing last in an FM Benchmark 70 at Cairns, beaten four and a half lengths after covering ground and fading. Her Townsville sixth beforehand had some merit from well back, but she was unwanted in the market there. Needs clear improvement.

Was only beaten a length and a half in a Class 3 at Townsville last start, though the slow beginning left him with too much to do. His previous second to Boom Bunny in a Benchmark 55 was stronger, as he covered ground and was beaten a nose. The 1200m rise is the query, but he can run into the placings.

Resumed at Bowen with a seventh in a Benchmark 55 over 1000m, beaten just under seven lengths by Excelboom after beginning slowly and never becoming a winning factor. Needs the setup to fall her way.

Led but failed to finish off when second last in a Benchmark 55 at Cairns, beaten two and a half lengths by Fancy Garter. His prior seventh over 950m there was similar, keeping on without threatening at generous odds. Needs a much stronger closing effort.