Agility has not been seen at the races since April, but he has reportedly relished his time away from racing and won’t be offered a better opportunity to break his maiden than he finds this afternoon. The New Approach gelding began his career under the guidance of Robert Hickmott but was transferred to the care of Rodney Miller after only one start and hit the line well to finish second over 1250m at Cairns last time out. He’s drawn ideally in barrier 3 and will be tough to hold out.
Quality stayer Swacadelic will take plenty of benefit into his second-up run in this afternoon’s Ararat Gold Cup (2000m) and can fight out the finish at value ($17 at the time of publish). The German import has been a strong and consistent performer for Aaron Purcell since arriving in Australia and has recorded plenty of terrific results in races far tougher than this one. He didn’t fire a shot at Moonee Valley first-up, but he is a horse that typically improves sharply from his first-up effort and with even luck, can figure here.
Choisborder has produced a number of great performances this time and looks to have found an ideal feature race in this afternoon’s China Bowl at Ararat. The Choisir gelding recorded three consecutive wins through July and August, including a 1200m sprint down the Flemington straight before a credible run for third behind Moonlover at Moonee Valley. He returned from four weeks between starts to finish sixth in a 1200m sprint at Geelong last time and will improve into this race. With any luck, he should be fighting out the finish.
Craiglea Ella was an impressive winner at Rockhampton last time out and looks well placed to continue that form at Townsville this afternoon. The Warhead filly was taken straight to the lead last time out and produced a strong kick to hit the line well; ultimately beating a talented field that included a number of in-form horses. David Hayse can replicate those tactics from barrier 5 today and the horse will have conditions to suit again.