Races BRX Ewan

Returns from five weeks off after finishing third at Townsville, beaten three and a half lengths, where he jumped awkwardly and was forced wide near the 900m. His seventh there before that had more merit than the finishing position suggests, as he picked up nicely from well back at generous odds. Class relief helps; the 1300m still has to be run right out.

Won a picnic Class B over 1000m at Atherton six days ago, beating Silverturn by half a length after being near the top of betting, though the stewards noted he raced wide. He was also second at Oak Park prior as favourite, so his recent form reads sound enough. Has positives, but this asks a sharper question.

Has been close up at his past two, most recently fourth in a Class 2 over 1470m at Bowen when beaten just over a length after leading and racing wide on the first turn. Two back he was third at Townsville on soft ground after covering ground and working into the race. Minor-money hope if he repeats the Class 2 effort.

Returns from a three-month break after a plain ninth at Mackay over 1800m, beaten over 12 lengths at long odds after jumping awkwardly and never looking likely. The run prior was better, finishing fourth at Home Hill behind Bubbles'N'Froth when beaten two and a half lengths. Better suited at 1300m, but needs to return sharper.

Eases from a provincial Benchmark 60 after finishing seventh at Townsville, beaten two and a half lengths on soft ground, but she was at long odds and had no clear excuse. Her previous Cairns run saw her finish last after racing just off the lead and failing to quicken. Place profile.

Returns from a three-month break after winning a Rockhampton 2-3yo Maiden by a length as short odds-on favourite, making up good ground to beat Jungle Wonder with a bit in hand. She had earlier run third in a 3yo Maiden at Sunshine Coast, beaten just over half a length after a slow beginning and tightening. Honest profile, but this is a new test.

Went close in a Class 2 over 1470m at Bowen last start, finishing third to Faraway Downs and beaten just over half a length after travelling prominently and laying in up the straight. That was a strong rebound from a tenth at Townsville on soft ground, where she was beaten just over six lengths. Back in trip and drawn kindly; a live winning chance.

Came within a nose of winning at Cairns last start, beginning awkwardly before charging home to just miss behind Fancy Garter at outside odds. Her previous fourth at Innisfail was also sound, beaten a length and a half after getting near heels leaving the 300m. Strong chance if she repeats that finish.

Was last in a provincial 3yo+ Class 1 at Townsville last week, beaten five and a half lengths at big odds after settling back and making no impression. Her Sunshine Coast Class 1 run before that was no stronger, finishing eighth and beaten just under seven lengths when unwanted in the market. Needs a much sharper finish.

Had excuses when third in a picnic Benchmark 50 at Atherton last start, racing wide and still finishing within just under two lengths of Sweet Candy while near the top of betting. That was an improvement on her Mackay ninth, where she was beaten just over six lengths at big odds. Distance placings help, winning edge is still the issue.

Eases from a provincial Class 3 after finishing last over 1000m at Townsville, beaten four and a half lengths at long odds after being slow to begin and failing to finish off. Two back he was closer, beaten a length and a half on soft ground despite racing wide throughout. Needs the race to suit.