Races SRX Bathurst

Recent form is hard to warm to, with a last at Newcastle over 2300m when beaten a long way after leading and no abnormality found. The run prior at Gosford was also plain, finishing seventh and beaten over 15 lengths after settling well back. Fitter now, but only minor money appeals unless he finds a sharp rebound.

Second at Tamworth last start reads better on paper than it looked, as he was beaten four and a half lengths in a small field after being unwanted in the market and only battling on. His Taree run prior was much weaker, finishing last and well beaten by 23 lengths after jumping awkwardly. Current form leaves him up against it.

Went close in a BM58 at Dubbo last start, finishing second to Questionable over 2200m and beaten a length and a half after being close enough on the turn. He also had excuses two back when slow away and steadied more than once. Just missed last time out and gets all the favours to go one better.

Second in a three-runner picnic Open at Grenfell last start, beaten just under two lengths after racing keenly through the middle stages. That is harder company today despite the Open tag, and her previous BM58 run at Mendooran was a sixth, beaten just under ten lengths by Godwits. Harder company makes this a stern test.

Worked home evenly for third in a BM58 at Dubbo last start, beaten four and a half lengths after covering ground and being hampered early. That was a better run than her second-last effort at the same venue, where she was unwanted in betting and never launched. Looking to others.

Backs up quickly after a sound second at Canberra, where she was beaten just over two lengths by Zonkstar after starting at generous odds. Her previous run came in BM74 grade at Wagga, so she has been around stronger races than this, and the quick return is a positive set-up. Ticked the 2000m box last start and with a drop in weight, she'll be in this for a very long way.

Drops from Saturday company after finishing ninth in a Randwick BM72 on soft ground, beaten just over six lengths when unwanted in the market and unable to make an impression. She is far better placed now, and her Hawkesbury fifth two back had merit given she laid in through the straight. Right back in grade now and a much better effort is on the cards.

Third-up and on a quick back-up after missing by a nose at Orange over 1600m, with a bump at the start adding some context to the result. He was also wider than ideal throughout in a BM58 at Narromine two back, yet was beaten just under four lengths. Building nicely and now looks poised to strike getting out in trip today.

Comes off a narrow Class 1 win at Cootamundra, beating Sammaan City by a neck as favourite after travelling well and lifting late. She had earlier finished fourth in a Class 1 at Hawkesbury when only fair to the line. Has to prove she can run it out.

Finished strongly for second in a provincial Class 1 at Kembla Grange last start, beaten a length by Criteria after being well back and having an early block. The start prior in a Mdn at the same venue was also solid, finishing fourth and doing his best work late. Finished off strongly last start and with a better draw and drop to country level, he can notch up his maiden win.