Paolo will carry winning form into the second at Cessnock today and will be hard to beat again. The four-year-old was settled off the pace at Coffs Harbour first-up and ran on well to finish second, but he was utterly dominant over 1000m last time out and beat his closest rivals by more than two lengths. He should only improve from that run and is drawn beautifully today in barrier 3, and with Andrew Gibbons in the saddle.
Walk The Talk has not been seen at the races since September, but he showed great ability throughout his debut prep and looks over the odds to win at Sale this afternoon ($8 at publish). The Nicconi gelding did take a couple of runs to tune up when debuting, but he put together two impressive wins at Geelong and Wangaratta before ending his campaign with a run in metro company at Moonee Valley. He’ll find this a lot easier and has the advantage of Michael Walker in the saddle today.
Illustrious Lad has been a star for Peter Gelagotis throughout much of his racing career and looks beautifully placed in the Viatek Sale Quality (1200m) this afternoon. the I Am Invincible gelding is a multiple black type winner and won the Listed City Of Marion Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in December, before a couple of fair efforts to finish midfield at Flemington in January. This is a big drop in class and he’ll be hard to beat.
Itz Lily has only had one competitive start so far, but she was an impressive winner on debut and can go on with the job in the last at Cessnock today. The Snitzel filly trialled well in the lead-up to hger first run at Taree two week ago and mustered a good turn of foot to easily beat the field of twelve. This is a step up in class, but she does look a good type and is well placed to continue her unbeaten run.