The Closer will take good improvement into her second campaign start at HQ today and looks well placed to win. The Maher & Eustace-trained mare has returned several pleasing efforts and results throughout her nine career starts, but her first-up run for second over 1200m at The Valley suggested that she has returned an even better prospect this time, and a run down the straight should suit.
Spirit Of Valor has mixed his form since transferring to the care of Maher & Eustace, but he has been freshened for the Standish Handicap and looks a touch of overs at a double-figure price ($14 at publish). The War Front entire hit the line with intent to finish third in the Listed Chandler Macleod second-up in spring but was awful in the Testa Rossa. He finished midfield in the Group 1 Winterbottom at his most-recent appearance and this is a big drop in class from that race.
Parlay Princess has returned to the races in excellent form this time and looks well placed to make it three in a row at Flemington today. The four-year-old daughter of Sebring found form around some good horses last time in and is yet to taste anything but success this time; recording smart wins at Sandown and Caulfield respectively. 1400m looks to be her pet trip and she’s drawn to receive a lovely run, with the bonus of Liam Riordan’s claim.
Secret Blaze is a talented racehorse and can continue his smart preparation with a win in the Bagot Handicap at Flemington his afternoon. The Sizzling gelding hasn’t missed a placed in five starts since resuming; winning on three occasions including a smart performance over 2500m here at HQ a fortnight ago. There’s no doubt that he’ll stay the trip and he is rock hard fit for this contest.