Race 6 – Dentavision Benchmark 64 Handicap (2000 METRES)
2 CLUBMAN (GB) – $6
Lightly raced import who’s handled all surfaces to date and shapes as a genuine staying prospect. His wins at 1400m and 1600m came with something in hand and the form around them has held up well. Forgive the recent trial failures as he’s a race-day horse and maps for a sweet run just behind the speed. Looks set to relish the rise to 2000m on soft ground. Big chance.
4 ALABAMA BLITZ – $6
Progressive mare on the up, building a strong record and showing an ability to adapt to conditions. Her last-start win at Newcastle over the mile on a bog track was full of merit. She found the front, was challenged, and kicked again. Visors go on and Rory Hutchings retains the ride. Expect another bold performance.
8 EMPIRE OF ART (GER) – $5.50
Still learning the craft but trending in the right direction. Backed up a strong Newcastle placing with a solid run at Kembla. Looks to be crying out for this trip and Jason Collett is a significant engagement. His European pedigree screams stamina and any sting out of the track is a bonus. Can peak now.
The Professor’s View: Clubman looks to peak third up stepping to 2000m. Empire of Art profiles strongly with Collett aboard. Alabama Blitz is genuine and winning.
Race 7 – Blossom Hair, Body, Face & Wig Boutique Benchmark 64 (1400 METRES)
5 OMNIC (NZ) – $16
Flies under the radar but has a consistent profile in tougher maidens and Class 1s. Drawn wide but maps to slide forward and control terms if desired. Did enough first and second up to suggest he can fire at peak fitness here. Roughie with knockout claims.
6 SOCRAZYINLOVE – $6.50
Emerging mare who exploded through the line last start in similar conditions. She’s unbeaten at this trip and the stable has her humming. Handles the wet, maps for cover just off midfield, and with Alysha Collett aboard she gets every chance to go back-to-back.
7 FORBIDDEN RIFF – $8.50
Has found his rhythm in recent runs and was strong winning over this trip at Newcastle. Handles all conditions, and though drawn wide, he’ll likely press forward and make his own luck. Still lightly raced and in the right stable to continue improving. Live chance.
The Professor’s View: Socrazyinlove maps well and handles all conditions. Forbidden Riff is fit and firing. Omnic is over the odds and suited on tempo.
Race 8 – Fowler Civil Contracting Midway Benchmark 64 (1100 METRES)
1 AGAINST THE LAW – $3
Talented type resuming from a freshen with fitness on his side. Two strong runs here at Hawkesbury, including a last-start win. Heavy track form reads well and Zac Lloyd takes the reins again. Hard to knock and deserves favouritism.
4 SUPER ZIPPI – $14
Honest mare with a tidy record and a strong turn of foot when things fall into place. Draws to advantage and is rock-hard fit now. Heavy track no issue and the three-kilo claim keeps her in the game.
9 I AM A WINNER – $6.50
Comes into this off a dominant maiden win on heavy ground. Still learning but has upside and handles all conditions. Jason Collett rides and the gate allows him to stalk the speed. Must respect off what he did last time.
The Professor’s View: Against the Law is fit and flying with upside. I Am a Winner looks progressive. Super Zippi adds value for exotics.
