The TAB Gong, $1,000,000, 1600m
Local Count De Rupee (Real Impact {Jpn}) has a tricky gate to contend with but was so brave behind the classy I'm Thunderstuck (NZ) (Shocking) in the Golden Eagle, a race which also saw a good performance from Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) who blew her chances with a bad start.
Exoboom (Exosphere) did not have the best of luck in that race and he is proven at Kembla Grange as are Criaderas (Lonhro) who was solid when resuming, Nudge (Fastnet Rock) who got a bit too far back in the G2 Hot Danish S. last time out and Quackerjack (Not A Single Doubt) who had a slow recovery rate last start.
Archedemus (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has won two at the track including this race last year - and he is down in class having contested Group races at all four of his outings this campaign.
Victorian visitor Rich Hips (Written Tycoon) is capable of another strong finish on the back of a good performance at Flemington with that carnival also providing Aramayo (Poet's Voice {GB}) who was not far away in the G1 Cantala S.
I Am Superman (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) had no luck in the Classique Legend and he looks ready for the step up to the mile.
Listed Ballarat Cup, $500,000, 2000m
Sydney trainer Chris Waller makes a two pronged attack on Saturday's Victorian feature with three runners - Skyman's (GB) (Mukhadram {GB}) deserving of a breakthrough having been a game runner-up at three of his last four starts and Yonkers (USA) (Medagalia D'Oro {USA}) seeking a change of luck having had excuses at his last couple.
Hard for them to beat will be the in-form Thought Of That (So You Think {NZ}), one of three acceptors for the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable with the others being Charleise (Foxwedge) who is suited by another step up in distance and the emergencies Bartholomeu Dias (GB) (Mount Nelson {GB}).
Defibrillate (NZ) (Shocking) was in consistent form prior to pulling up with a slow recovery rate at latest whilst Zayydani (NZ) (Savabeel) defied the day's pattern when saluting at Flemington last time out.
Double You Tee (Written Tycoon), Vanna Girl (Husson {Arg}), Ghodeliene (Monaco Consul {NZ}) and Foxy Frida (Foxwedge) are all racing well.
