Races CR Northam

Third-up and back within a week, he gets a more suitable setting after finishing fifth over 1400m at Belmont Park, where he settled rearward and did not quicken after being close enough on the turn. The prior York run had more merit after he was held up at the home turn and again near the 200m. Winning record is a concern, but he can run into a placing.

Has held his form well through a string of placings, most recently third at this track when beaten just under two lengths by Mystacheeno after working into the race. He was also second at Bunbury behind Forever Victorious and beat Rock The Mic there about three weeks ago. The 2200m win is missing, but he is a genuine winning hope.

Comes through a stronger BM54+ at Belmont Park, where he was bumped at the start, came from a long way back and still ran second to Capable Angel. That followed a neck second at York on soft ground when pipped late, so the current form is clearly trending the right way. Quick back-up suits and he gets his chance to break through.

Has not lifted in two runs this campaign, finishing sixth and seventh at this venue over 1600m and beaten seven and a half lengths then just under nine lengths. He began only fairly last start and never made ground, while the market treated him as a long-odds hope. Worth keeping on side with the rise in trip.

Found the line better at York last start when fifth, beaten two lengths, and that run had merit after he raced keenly early and was held up near the 200m. The problem is his broader profile: unplaced in eight starts and coming off a last-of-seven effort at Kalgoorlie two back. A sizeable lift is required.

Was fifth at this track last start, beaten six lengths by Mystacheeno after being close enough to strike but finding little. His earlier run here over 1600m was also plain when beaten eight lengths after leading and weakening, and he was unwanted in the market both times. Place claims only.

Has been well beaten in both starts, finishing last on debut at this track and then eighth here last start, beaten over 10 lengths behind Costa Del Darlo. There was no clear excuse in that latest run, with the market again sending him out at long odds. New trip now, but others look much stronger.