Victoria’s autumn weight for age championship will be held this Saturday at Flemington.
1. Cascadian
Both runs this time in have been good, although given he had the perfect ride in the Peter Young he was entitled to win that race in easier fashion. Drawn well and should be in the finish here.
2. Think It Over
Trainer Kerry Parker ventured south in search of a firmer surface and he looks to have found a perfect race. The winner of five of his last seven starts and more than $1.2 million in that time, he comes off a terrific fourth on heavy going in the Chipping Norton last start. This is a much easier contest and everything points to a big run.
3. Spanish Mission
Ran third in the Melbourne Cup in the spring and that race can be a good pointer towards the Australian Cup. Looks well and truly short enough even though he was solid first up in the Carlyon Cup.
4. Ho Ho Khan
Trainer Mitch Freedman has done a great job to get the ex-Hong Kong galloper in good form but this is another level altogether. Happy to risk.
5. Steel Prince
There was good money around for the eight year old first up but that was a misleading guide as he faded to finish fifth. Suspect his best days are behind him.
6. Surprise Baby
Amazing to think that he is almost eight years of age and yet lines up for only his seventeenth start. Want to see him have another before thinking about backing him.
7. Yonkers
Established Group 2 and 3 player who seems to be a length off the top liners. Well drawn and could run a place at odds.
8. Callsign Mav
Ex-Kiwi who looked home for all money first up but just faded late. Should have improved for that run but he was meant to go around in the Peter Young as well, only to be a late scratching with an elevated temperature. Not ideal.
9. Delphi
Disappointed first up when leading on a day when that was an advantage. Should press forward once again but would have liked to see more last start.
10. Maximal
UK import with some handy form in that country but his first up 13th placing in the Apollo Stakes suggests he is a long way from recapturing that.
11. She’s Ideel
Nearly caused a boilover in the Chipping Norton when flying home to finish second behind Verry Elleegant. That, however, was on a Heavy 10. On top of the ground, she has had plenty of chances but failed to measure up.
12. Duais
Ran sixth at $101 in the Chipping Norton but it was a better run than it reads on paper as she was held up for clear running before flashing late. The price assessors didn’t miss it though as she looks well and truly short enough in early markets.
Best Bet
Don’t overthink it. Think It Over.
