Charlevoix has only been fair in his four starts this time in, but he’s faced with a decent drop in class at Sandown this afternoon and probably won’t be offered a better opportunity to return to winning form. Now a six-year-old and prepared by Matt Cumani, Charlevoix was passed by a few quality horses before finishing sixth in the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington last time out, but he will be rock-hard fit for today’s assignment. Fred Kersley’s claim will help and the horse does look a touch of overs at his current price ($7 at publish).
Bubbles’N’Troubles clearly needed the run when she faded to finish eighth at Randwick, but she’ll take plenty of benefit into the race and will enjoy what looks an easier task. Her last second-up effort was full of merit and delivered a close-up third at Listed level, and I like that she’s tuned up further with a trial in the lead-up to this race. James McDonald takes the ride today from the ideal barrier 4.
Lightly-raced five-year-old Tonsor has returned to the track in typically smart form this time and looks tough to beat in the seventh at Warwick Farm today. The Redoute’s Choice gelding is yet to finish outside of the places in his six-start career so far and resumed for a close-up second over 1100m at Canterbury before leading all the way second-up. He’ll only improve into this race and can replicate his tactics from an inside draw.
Danon Roman has not been seen at the races since November, but he has a pretty obvious class edge over today’s rivals at his best and can make a winning return. A son of the legendary Deep Impact, Danon Roman hit the line well to finish third on debut in Australia in September and continued to perform well in races far tougher than this one. The wide barrier isn’t a concern in this small field as he’ll likely settle off the early pace regardless, and he has the notably advantage of Mark Zahra in the saddle.