With the early scratching of Dunlee taken into consideration, this shapes as a race in two between Double Award and Sir Diamond, and I am happy to stick with the latter.
Sir Diamond has had four starts since resuming this time, and he was last seen finishing fourth over 1800m at Hawkesbury.
Double Award meanwhile enters the race of a credible second, but on a genuinely heavy track at Port Macquarie, and I’m rolling the dice on that having flattened him a little.
Dominant Lady hasn’t been seen at the races since December, but she is a proven fresh performer and shapes as a key winning chance in the fifth at Scone today.
The I Am Invincible filly comfortably beat home her rivals at Newcastle when resuming last time, and she went to the paddock after finishing fourth in a Class 1 race.
She’s had the benefit of a couple of trials in the lead-up to her return and she’ll get some relief in the weights under Samantha Clenton.
This looks to be a very winnable race for Hidden Hills.
Hidden Hills has returned some lovely efforts since resuming this time, winning here at Scone three starts back and filling the minors at his last two.
He’s rock-hard fit for today’s assignment, he options from an inside draw, and might not be offered a better opportunity to return to winning form.
Chaready can continue his rise through the grades in the last at Scone today.
The Myboycharlie gelding has made just three appearances at the races since debuting in March, but he has continued to improve with each, culminating in a lovely win here last time out.
He’ll take further improvement into this race and should receive every chance.