Race 1 – Drinkwise Plate (1100m)
2 BENEVAC BOBS – $7.50 Solid return from a wide draw last start when leading and sticking on gamely. Fitness should be improved and gets Tim Clark again, who knows him now. Barrier isn’t ideal but he has early speed and looks the likely leader. Maps to take catching if the fence holds up on a drying surface.
4 CHICAMA – $4.80 Has always shown promise and resumes off two forward trials. Hit the line well in Saturday grade as a 2YO and his latest work under Adam Hyeronimus was sharp. Wide alley a knock but should drift back and look for cover. If the tempo is strong, he’ll be one of the strongest late.
12 SURF’S UP – $7.50 Has done little wrong to date and has been competitive in metro company. Closed strongly last start in a fast-run race and gets Zac Lloyd to offset the draw. Progressive filly who profiles well for the map and ground. Will be hard to hold out if the tempo is genuine.
Race 5 – Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1100m)
2 MIDNIGHT DYNAMITE – $7.50 Returns to the races off a pair of strong trials and has been kept fresh for this. Has metro-winning form and maps to settle just behind the speed from the draw. Conditions suit and he races well first-up. Looks a serious contender if he brings his best form.
5 HIDDEN MOTIVE – $1.95 Classy colt who dominated a handy race at Randwick before a spell. Trials have been excellent and draws to box-seat with Braith Nock’s claim giving him a big advantage at the weights. Smart operator who should prove too classy if he handles the tighter Canterbury layout.
7 GOLDEN STRAAND – $11 Has found the line strongly in each of his last few starts and profiles like a horse on the rise. Trialled well leading in and has a touch of tactical speed to offset a sticky gate. If the leaders overdo it, he’s one that will be savaging the line.
Race 6 – Ole Kirk @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1100m)
4 MISS TRENTINO – $3.90 Smart mare who’s gone to a new level this prep with dominant wins at ACT and Newcastle. Shows early toe and maps to lead or sit outside it here. Proven on soft going and is racing in career-best form. If she controls the tempo, she’s the one they’ll have to run down.
5 GIRIJAALA – $12 Resumes off a solid set of trials and brings some tidy Melbourne maiden form. Will get back from the gate but possesses a strong closing sprint. Likely needs luck from back in the field but if they’re making ground out wide, she’s capable of flashing late.
6 QUEEN OF DEELS – $61 Back in trip sharply and arrives via a very different form line, but has been ticking over well on synthetic tracks. Conditions shouldn’t bother her and she’ll get a soft run from the draw. Looks outclassed but could surprise if the leaders go too hard.
The Professor’s Play:
Best Bet: HIDDEN MOTIVE (Race 5) – Brings Saturday-winning form and looks well-placed under the claim. Class should prevail.
Value: MIDNIGHT DYNAMITE (Race 5) – Proven fresh and trials have been sharp. Gets a nice map and looks overs.
Each-Way: SURF’S UP (Race 1) – Consistent filly who’ll be strong late. Can win with even luck from the wide alley.
