Follow that filly
Eagle Farm, G2 Moet & Chandon Champagne Classic, $175,000, 1200m
Isotope (Deep Field) will put her unbeaten record on the line against a small, but select line-up of youngsters with most of them out to boost their claims for the upcoming G1 JJ Atkins S.
The Tony Gollan-trained filly has yet to be tested in two appearances and, while this is her stiffest test, on the evidence of her brace of wins she has more to offer.
Rothfire (Rothesay) was beaten for the first time in five starts when runner-up at the Gold Coast in March. He has been freshened and has an abundance of talent.
So has Wild Ruler (Snitzel), who won at the trials last week and the only question mark will be where he can slot in from the outside barrier. The Drinks Cart (Unencumbered) resumed in fine style with an easy victory and can be expected to strip sharper for the outing.
Kukeracha (NZ) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) was a debut winner and his latest run for fourth, when he made late ground behind the highly-regarded Peltzer (So You Think {NZ}), was also encouraging.
Image well-placed
Eagle Farm, G2 TAB Victory S., $175,000, 1200m
With two runs under his belt, Deep Image (Testa Rossa) should strip at peak fitness and he’s already a four-time winner on the course.
The 6-year-old was a close second last time out to Tambo’s Mate (Mossman), a race rival and strong chance again, and meets that runner 1.5kg better off in weights.
Kementari
There has been merit in all three of the returning runs of Kementari (Lonhro) and he too is much better off under the conditions of this race. Chapter And Verse (Rothesay) has a smart record when fresh and the roomier track suits his style.
Winter Bride (Not A Single Doubt) was Group 1-placed earlier this year and has enjoyed a trial to ready her for her return. She has posted four wins when produced off a break.
Vega One (Lope De Vega {Ire}) finished strongly for fourth behind Tambo’s Mate last time out and is a serious chance again while Victorem (I Am Invincible) bucked out of the gates in that race. His previous form was impressive and he has trialled to the satisfaction of stewards.
Kinane hard to roll
Eagle Farm, G3 Lexus Gunsynd Classic, $115,000, 1800m
Kinane (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) has come a long way in a short time, coming off a maiden win to claim the G3 Frank Packet Plate at his fourth outing. He has trialled in between times and should be suited by this trip and the roomy track gives him a chance to overcome an awkward gate.
Profit (Dundeel {NZ}) is racing well and the bigger course will give him every opportunity to continue his solid form while stablemate Ballistic Boy (Smart Missile) is also a genuine customer, with the only query on him the extra distance.
Supergiant (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}) gave them a fright when runner-up in the Listed Daybreak Lover and, if left to his own devices in front, is at least a place chance again.
Sky Horse (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is a progressive filly and she has the pedigree to suggest the further she goes the more effective she can be.
Smart Meteor (Smart Missile) and Don’t Waiver (Not A Single Doubt) missed out in the Daybreak Lover, but they are both proven over ground and 1800 metres gives them a chance to bounce back at odds.
Distance key
Flemington, Listed Hilton Nicholas Straight Six, $112,000, 1200m
Milwaukee (Fastnet Rock) has produced solid performances at his last two appearances and most recently was a close third on the course. The extra 200 metres will suit him as his record emphasises with five victories at the trip.
Malibu Style (Magnus) is a genuine sprinter and is a strong place hope while Home Of Brave (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) and, while he has his share of weight, has met and matched better fields than this before.
Rich Charm (Danerich) has had his share of issues, but at best is a major contender while Rox The Castle (NZ) (Castledale {Ire}) and Romancer (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) are fresh and with winning first-up records to consider in an open line-up.
