Best to come from Cummings hope
The Valley, G2 Ladbrokes Feehan S., $250,000, 1600m
The James Cummings-trained Best Of Days (GB) (Azamour {Ire}) did enough on his return in the G1 Futurity S. to keep interest in him.
He had every chance before his condition gave out to finish seventh and he is a past second-up winner. The import is a versatile type and won the G1 Cantala S. over this trip during the last spring carnival.
Dual Group 1 winner Kenedna (Not A Single Doubt) was okay when resuming in the G2 PB Lawrence S. She will have the blinkers back on and as a two-time winner off a resuming run should be far more competitive.
The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) hasn’t been seen since he won the G3 Frank Packer Plate in the autumn and is from the astute stable of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, who have an excellent strike rate in Australia.
G1 Caulfield Cup runner-up Homesman (USA) (War Front {USA}) traditionally finds form early and he’s not to be under-estimated while Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has been freshened since his midfield run in the Lawrence and appeals as the best of the four Lindsay Park runners.
Mr Marathon Man (GB) (So You Think {NZ}) was fifth in that event at Caulfield and he’s another definite place prospect with the benefit of the outing.
Sharp Eduardo a danger
The Valley, G2 Mitty’s McEwen S., $200,000, 1000m
Eduardo (Host {Arg}) announced his arrival on the big stage last spring with victory in the G2 Caulfield Sprint and ran third in the G1 Oakleigh Plate.
History shows he finds form early in his preparations for trainer Sarah Zschoke and from the inside gate he promises to give another forward showing.
Bons Away (Bon Hoffa) is a genuine sprinter who was a close second in the Listed Norman Carlyon when resuming and natural improvement could easily see him go one better.
Booker (Written Tycoon) won the Oakleigh before he lost form and was put aside and he’s won three of his six first-up assignments while the well-travelled Faatinah (Nicconi) is another with the ideal gate to star over a trip he favours.
Miss Leonidas (I Am Invincible) was consistent through her last preparation in lesser company, but she is another to consider for inclusion in multiples.
Filly exhilarating again
The Valley, Listed Inglis Atlantic Jewel S., $140,000, 1200m
Last season’s Magic Millions Classic winner Exhilarates (Snitzel) didn’t waste any time in opening her 3-year-old account with success in the G3 Quezette S. at Caulfield.
She is sure to strip fitter for the outing and promises to be a handful again in the hands of new jockey Craig Williams, who rides this course so well.
Pin Sec (Lonhro) was third behind her stablemate in the Quezette and gives James Cummings a strong hand while Westport (Not A Single Doubt) is on a roll for the McEvoys and seems to be improving with each outing.
Sassy Salitage (Toronado (Ire}) is unbeaten in two starts and is another who is getting better with experience and she looks sure to run very well again. Taraayef (Lonhro) was below her best last time out and a better guide to her chances might be her previous win on the track.
Hot run to continue
The Valley, Listed Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank S., $140,000, 1200m
Deprive (Denman) owns a form line that says it all with five wins on the bounce and a resuming victory in the G3 Show County. Godolphin has called on the experienced Damien Oliver to guide him to further success.
The Inevitable (Dundeel {NZ}) will fly the Tasmanian flag and she promises to be ultra-competitive again. She is a multiple stakes winner and did well to overcome a heavy track at Flemington to kick her spring campaign off in style last time out.
Widgee Turf (Turffontein) is always a threat in this company and he’s a proven first-up performer with a trial outing under his belt.
Fell Swoop (Not A Single Doubt) and Fastnet Tempest (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Ire}) are accomplished sprinters, although both tend to need a run at the start of the campaigns, and a better chance may be a race fit Oak Door (Commands), who has winning form on the course.
Filly to flaunt it
Wanganui, Listed The O’Leary’s Fillies’ S., NZ$50,000, 1200m
Flaunting (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) won the Listed Castletown S. on her last visit to the course and she has since finished runner-up twice with the latest in the Listed Ryder S.
Trifolium (Krupt) created a big impression last season with two dominant wins from as many appearances and she has trialled well ahead of her return. So has She’s A Lady (GB) (Swiss Ace), who was game when second in the Castletown.
Experience to tell
Wanganui, Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas, NZ$50,000, 1320m
Sai Fah (NZ) (Rios) is by far the most experienced contender and his form stacks up well with consecutive wins, including a Listed Ryder S. success.
Checkers (NZ) (Nom du Jeu {NZ}) has a decent form line with a last-start fourth behind stablemate and last-start G3 Ming Dynasty winner Quick Thinker (So You Think {NZ}) in the Listed Champagne S.
Conga Doon (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) was a runaway debut winner on the track and gives the impression he won’t be out of place in stronger company Rising Ransom (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) also caught the eye with a determined last-start win against older opposition.
