Strong Cup hand
Caulfield, G3 Le Pine Funerals Easter Cup, $128,000, 2000m
Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young hold a couple of aces here with the in-form duo of Salsamor (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and Inverloch (Ire) (Fastnet Rock).
The former’s form speaks for itself with four wins on the bounce and Inverloch gains weight relief on a last-start second. He beat Secret Blaze (Sizzling) two runs back and he should again prove competitive.
Scarlet Dream (Sebring) is well-placed in the handicap for a Group 1 performer and her most recent effort was encouraging. By contrast, Hellova Street (Helike {USA}), Jaameh (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and So Si Bon (So You Think {NZ}) have hefty weights, but the class to overcome.
Haky (Ire) (Muhtathir {GB}) was unplaced when resuming, but has two second-up wins on his record. He was good enough last preparation to place in the G3 Geelong Cup.
Form tells story
Caulfield, G3 Elvis Thurgood Anniversary Cup, $128,000, 1400m
Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom {USA}) brings strong form lines to this race with a fourth in the G1 Futurity S. two runs back before he won at Flemington. His record strongly suggests this is his pet distance.
Spanish Whisper (Lope De Vega {Ire}) turned in a meritorious run for sixth in the G1 Coolmore Classic and as this represents an easier assignment her chances have to be taken seriously.
Bam’s On Fire (Universal Ruler) is racing so well that she has to be a player for exotics following runner-up finishes in her last three appearances. Haunted (Lonhro) turned in an eye-catching fifth in the G3 Hareeba S. and has a winning affinity with this track.
Seabrook (Hinchinbrook) was third in that race and, while she hasn’t won for some time, it was an effort that indicated better things are to come from the mare.
Relucent hot chance
Caulfield, Listed Neds Galilee Series Final, $120,000, 2400m
Relucent (NZ) (Savabeel) was fourth in the G1 VRC Derby in the spring and there’s a sense of timing around him for this race. He was runner-up at The Valley when stepped up to a trip for the first time this preparation and will be coming back in class following a last-start fourth in the G2 Tulloch S.
Coin Collector (All Too Hard) is in good touch and he should relish the 2400 metres as well while Hey Mighty (Fastnet Rock) is racing consistently and both of these runners should be in the final mix.
Viscosity (NZ) (Savabeel) finished off well for fourth at Cranbourne to indicate this extended distance will boost his chances. A hope at longer odds may be Bellx (Rock Hero), who has showed improvement since she has stepped up to middle distances.
Queen to rule again
Ascot, G2 Schweppes WA Derby, $320,000, 2400m
Tuscan Queen (Fastnet Rock) will start a short-priced favourite and with good reason after two sterling lead-up performances. She has won both the Listed Natasha S. and the G3 WA Oaks over this course and distance.
Red Hot Tip (Red Hot Choice) led all the way to win the Listed Melvista S. and, left alone he could be the main threat, while runner-up Midnight Blue (So You Think {NZ}) is a stablemate of the favourite and a solid back-up for trainers Grant and Alana Williams.
Naughty By Nature (Trade Fair {GB}) was much better last time out and a definite place chance, as are Criminal Code (Maschino) and the lightly-tried Miss Dominican (Blackfriars).
Fresh is best
Morphettville, Listed Furphy S., $100,000, 1000m
Tavisan (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) has been freshened since last racing and he has twice been a winner off a break so there’s much to like about his prospects. He is also a two-time winner at the distance.
Beauty (Smart Missile) is a speedy type in good form and while Bold Star (Needs Further) has his share of weight, he is a stakes winner in Victoria and dropping back from Group 1 company in the Oakleigh Plate.
Bella Vella (Commands) and Equal Love (Equiano {Fr}) are last-start winners so they are in the right form for a black type challenge and Arrow Lane (Red Arrow) was unsighted resuming, but is a second-up winner and an outside hope.
