Race 5 – DCE Handicap (2025m)
1. Compressing (NZ) – $9 win / $2.80 place
Progressive stayer who showed promise early in the year with dominant wins over the mile and 2100m. Was thrown in the deep end over the carnival in Group races and wasn’t disgraced. Resumes with two solid jumpouts under the belt and looks well placed back to BM64 grade. Should improve sharply second-up, and the Busuttin-Young stable always fire on home turf.
2. Jealous – $3.20 win / $1.50 place
Honest mare with a tough racing style. Has run well this prep in Brisbane and held her own in a hot F&M handicap last start at Cranbourne over this trip. Drops back in class, claims down with Cartwright aboard, and maps to get a soft run midfield. Consistent enough to feature in the finish again.
3. Storm Ahead – $6 win / $2.10 place
Forgive the latest run where he faded badly after being pressured on speed. Prior form this prep was strong, including a solid second over 1765m at Geelong. Blinkers go back on, Beau Mertens sticks, and if he can find cover just off the speed, he’s right in this.
11. Prestige Geoffrey – $14 win / $3.90 place
Lightly raced and still learning, but got the maiden win out of the way last start in good fashion. Steps sharply in grade here and this is a big ask, but might be worth including in wider exotics if the race falls apart late.
Race 6 – Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge Series 2 – Heat 1 (955m)
5. Terraflying – $23 win / $5.50 place
First-up specialist and returns with a good fresh record. Blinkers off and tongue tie on today, and while he draws wide, he’s been trialling fairly. Will need luck early to get into the race shape but could be a big improver at odds.
6. Furosshi – $3.70 win / $1.60 place
One of the most consistent mares in this grade. She brings city form, is drawn ideally, and has a fantastic record at Cranbourne over the short course. Won well at Seymour last start and should get every opportunity again. The one they’ll need to beat.
7. Hustle In Heels – $3.20 win / $1.50 place
Talented mare with early toe and a powerful turn of foot. Lightly raced with clear upside, her first-up win was dominant and she’s trialled sharply for her return. Jamie Mott aboard is a strong booking, and she profiles as a major player here.
9. Demarcate – $8.50 win / $2.40 place
Godolphin gelding resuming from a spell after facing hot 2YO fields. Showed early speed and ability and returns gelded. Jumpouts solid enough to suggest he can be competitive fresh. Market watch advised.
Race 7 – Ladbrokes Top 2/3/4 Betting Handicap (1400m)
2. Chest Of Gold – $2 win / $1.30 place
Building a very solid profile and returned this prep with back-to-back placings in competitive fields. Won impressively at Sandown three back and now returns to Cranbourne where he’s unbeaten. Maps beautifully just behind the speed and looks to get every chance to bounce back into the winner’s stall.
3. Grid Girl (NZ) – $11 win / $3.30 place
Classy mare with strong runs at metro level and multiple wins over this trip. Jumpouts have been strong, and the key is where she lands from the wide gate. If she gets cover and brings her A-game, she’ll be storming late.
10. Leg Drive – $16 win / $4.20 place
Has the ability but tends to mix form. Did enough at Moe and ran on solidly at Sale. Back to 1400m with Jake Noonan back aboard, he’s capable on his day but needs to lift to win this.
16. Al Prancer (EM) – $16 win / $4.50 place
Progressive type who keeps improving with racing. Won well at Bendigo last start and if he gains a run, could be one to include in wider exotics.
Race 8 – Cirka Handicap (1200m)
1. King West – $19 win / $5.30 place
Big weight but genuine talent who’s 2/2 at this track and distance. Resumes after some smart trials and looks set to run a race fresh. Will need a sharp tempo and some luck from midfield, but has the closing speed to feature.
5. Les Braves – $4.80 win / $1.90 place
Blew away the field last start at Seymour and looks to have a nice motor. Mott retains the ride and from the draw, he’ll sit close and pounce late. Has upside and could measure up again.
8. Tennessee Bound – $1.75 win / $1.20 place
Very smart filly who looks city class. Dominant winner on debut and has been ticking over perfectly at the trials. Maps to get a lovely run just behind the speed and could make a mess of them again. The one to beat.
9. Cherrabah – $10 win / $3.10 place
Won here on debut and has shown good early speed. Might get posted from the draw but if she crosses without burning, she’s more than capable of giving this a shake.
The Professor’s Plays
Best Bet: Tennessee Bound (Race 8)
Best Each Way: Storm Ahead (Race 5)
Best Value: King West (Race 8)
Quaddie (Races 5–8):
R5: 1, 2, 3
R6: 5, 6, 7, 9
R7: 2, 3, 10, 16
R8: 1, 5, 8, 9
