Al Ash Lad only just missed here at Ballina when resuming, and he looks well placed to go one better today.
The Al Maher gelding has placed in three of five career starts since debuting, and I thought that his first-up effort was his best to date.
With natural improvement, this looks his opportunity to strike.
Star Magnum hasn’t been seen at the races since September, but he boasts a great first-up record, and this looks a nice launchpad for him.
The Magnus gelding has picked off some nice races throughout his career, and he frequently hasn’t looked out of place in tougher contests than this one.
A recent trial suggested that he’s ready to fire fresh, and we can have an each way play at current odds ($9 at publish).
Mix’s recent form has been excellent, and the Ballina Cup looks a very nice feature race for him.
The five-year-old son of Medaglia D’oro hasn’t missed placing at his last four trips to the races, and he let down with a lovely turn of foot to beat some talented rivals at Eagle Farm earlier this month.
He’s rock-hard fit and drawn to receive every chance under Paul Hammersley, while he also drops 2.5kgs in the weights.
I’m siding with Olakau’atu in the last on Ballina Cup Day.
Olakau’atu ended his debut prep with a smart win in maiden company back in August, and picked up where he left off with another comfortable triumph in Class 1 company.
He’s open to plenty of improvement and this looks the next logical step for him.