Races AR Balaklava

Worked into a handy position at Gawler last start and finished fourth, beaten just under four lengths by Mr Ribtickler after starting at big odds. His previous Murray Bdge run on soft ground was less convincing, but he did make some late ground from the rear. The trip is the query, but he gets his chance in a modest maiden.

Finished off late from well back at Strathalbyn last start, although the margin was still just over nine lengths and the market had him at long odds. Two back at Gawler he was only beaten two and a half lengths but gave away a big start and raced keenly mid-race. Expect a forward showing.

Second-up after a plain Murray Bdge run where he finished second last, beaten just under nine lengths by Grand Millesime, and was unwanted in the market. He also finished behind Ludina there, which leaves him with a sizeable form gap to bridge. Has to find much more.

Tracked the speed at Murray Bdge last start but could only finish eighth, beaten just over five lengths by Grand Millesime, and he meets Ludina again from that race. The start prior at Halidon was fair enough after striking heels near the 600m. In the mix.

Comes through a Mildura picnic meeting where she was favourite and finished fourth in a six-horse field, beaten four and a half lengths by Gamadale Possum. That is harder company now, though her Tamworth run prior had merit when she made ground late over 1000m. Lightly raced and improving, but the first 1600m attempt is the test.

Resumed with a strong Murray Bdge second, beaten a head by Grand Millesime after travelling well, covering ground and finishing powerfully. She had earlier tackled Class 1 company over 2000m when unable to finish off on soft ground, so returning to a Mdn second-up is a much kinder set-up. Back in a maiden second-up, she looks the one to beat.

Had an excuse at Gawler last start after racing wide throughout, but she was still 12th and beaten eight and a half lengths after being sent out at big odds. Her previous Strathalbyn run was also well below the mark, beaten over 11 lengths. The 3kg claim is only a small offset.