Races AR Balaklava

Drops out of Saturday company after finishing sixth in a G BM64 at Morphettville, beaten just over six lengths by Artistic Genius after racing prominently and still picking up into the straight. His Gawler third the start prior, beaten just under two lengths by Silvaloa, was a sound reference. The 1300m record is the query, but he rates strongly.

Backs up quickly after finishing last in a BM56 at Gawler, beaten four and a half lengths, with the wide run and a bump near the 100m giving him some excuse. The Strathalbyn run prior was plain when he faded after leading on soft ground. Recent form is patchy, so he is an each-way hope only.

Eased back from Saturday company after finishing last in a BM66 at Morphettville, where he jumped awkwardly, raced just off the lead and failed to quicken. He was far more competitive at this track the start prior when fourth in a BM64, beaten just over a length after leading. Last-start BM66 effort was flat, so he has to bounce back sharply.

Resumed with a seventh in a BM56 at Port Lincoln, beaten five and a half lengths after beginning slowly and making ground without threatening. This is a harder meeting than that country assignment, although the 1.5kg claim is useful. Minor claims if he finds more late.

Comes off a deserved Murray Bdge Mdn win, beating Ludina by a head after covering ground and overcoming some early tightening. That followed a Halidon second in an FM Mdn, so her form has been trending the right way. She looks the horse to beat.

Returns from a three-month break after a short first campaign that produced a Naracoorte Mdn win on heavy ground, beating Nic The Cash by a length and a half. She then finished fifth at Murray Bdge, beaten just under two lengths behind Sidebar, at her final run before a spell. Has to prove readiness.

Improved third-up when fourth in a BM52 at Mildura last week, beaten just under four lengths by Asawin, and she gets weight relief for another quick assignment. That was a harder meeting than picnic grade but still follows a heavy Strathalbyn defeat where she was unwanted in betting. The 1300m record limits the win appeal.

Resumed with a seventh at Gawler, beaten just over two lengths, after looming at the turn but failing to finish it off. That leaves a winning query, especially given he is unplaced from seven starts in the past 12 months. The positive is Felicity Atkinson, who has won on him before, claiming 1.5kg. More place than win at this stage.

Most recently 8th of 11 in a 0-60 at Murray Bridge on October 28 over 1200m, 4 len behind Startide carrying 54kg at $61. The start before that 8th of 12 in a 0-54 at Penola on October 16 over 1300m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Dazelles with 55.5kg at $16. Must improve to play a role.