Daily Racing Tips – Thursday, February 22

Smokin’ Giant has made only the two appearances to date, winning on debut over the mile here on his home track.

Peter Moody’s three-year-old stepped up a level at Caulfield three weeks ago out to 1800m, beaten just over two lengths in the end by the impressive Justaboom after racing wide without much cover.

This looks a slightly easier race back to midweek level, and from a nice handy inside gate, he should be saved for late.

Fagin is going on close to a year since he won his maiden, but another win could be coming soon based on recent efforts.

Phillip Stokes’ gelding was placed two runs back over further at Moe, resuming off a seven-week spell three weeks ago where he loomed the winner at one point on the way to finishing fourth.

There’s room for obvious improvement with conditioning and fitness on his side, while he’s also done some of his best racing here at Pakenham.

With some good early speed expected, look for Daniel Stackhouse to be swooping in late from the wide draw.

Imperial Lad could run a nice race here up on the speed.

John Moloney’s gelding has been a tricky horse to back over the last 12 months, but he has handled tougher assignments, recently running fourth behind Jimmysstar in a BM84 at Caulfield to start the month.

This is easier back to provincial level, and with the claim put to good use, he should be one of the toughest to run down.

And She Was gets out over further and looks ready to peak with a couple of runs under her belt.

The Shamus Award mare has gone close on both occasions since resuming, last seen finishing runner-up at Sale where she came off the fence and just found one better over the final 50m.

She’s found it tougher over this trip in the past but does get Billy Egan on at the right time. With even luck, they should be afforded a nice cart into the race from midfield.