Oceanex is seeking a third-consecutive win today and looks the one to beat in the fourth at HQ. A daughter of Ocean Park, Oceanex has continued to improve with racing since her competitive debut in November and her two most-recent performances in particular have been impressive. This is her toughest test to date, but she has the runs on the board and will enjoy a 3kgs relief in the weights with Lachlan King in the saddle.
Mishani Hustler has been charged with carrying topweight this afternoon, but he looks to have a class edge over his rivals in the fifth at Eagle Farm and will be tough to beat. The Exceedingly Good colt put together three impressive wins last winter, including the Listed Darello Stakes (1200m) and ended his preparation second behind the talented Zousain in the Group 2 Champagne Classic (1200m). His first-up run this time for fifth in the Listed Falvelon Quality (1110m) was tough and he’ll enjoy a 3kg relief in the weights this afternoon with Baylee Nothdruft in the saddle.
Just Hifalutin flew home to finish fourth here at Flemington two weeks ago and looks a terrific each-way bet in the last today ($12 at publish). Having recorded five wins and four minors through her thirteen career starts so far, Just Hifalutin resumed in winter for an agonizingly-close second in the Listed VRC Sprint Final at this track and distance but was returned to the paddock after an accident in her float. The Reset mare has shown a clear love for racing at HQ, particularly down the straight and she is yet to finish worse than second in four starts here.
Final Hearing will return from a let-up at Ascot this afternoon and looks beautifully placed. The Reset gelding recorded an easy win at Belmont first-up in September and continued to race well as Grant & Alana Williams raised the bar; putting a decent field to the sword third-up at this track and distance. He failed to fire in the Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m) last time out in November but has had the benefit of a trial and looks the one to beat with William Pike aboard today.