Friday night racing under lights returns to Pakenham for Australia Stakes night, headlined by the return of Stradbroke Handicap winner WAR MACHINE, who resumes in the feature and brings genuine star power to the meeting.
The spacious circuit and typically fair racing conditions should allow every runner its chance, with a strong mix of progressive types and proven performers engaged across the program.
One runner to keep a close eye on is ALIANO, an emerging talent with the profile of a future Group performer as he chases a third consecutive victory.
With plenty to like on the card, it’s time to get stuck in and see if we can find a few winners.
INVINCIBLE LOVER (8) made a strong impression on debut at Cranbourne.
The Lloyd Kennewell-trained filly settled back over 1000m before producing a powerful late surge to go down by a neck.
She’ll take improvement from the experience and the rise in distance looks ideal given how well she hit the line.
Zac Spain should be able to stalk the speed and have her in a good position.
Selections: 8-11-4-9
| 8. Invincible Lover (5) J: Zac Spain 56.5kg 2 T: Lloyd Kennewell |
I ONLY WISH (2) looks ready to break through and gets a great opportunity here.
The Robbie Griffiths-trained mare has had no luck this preparation, most notably three starts ago when badly held up over a mile here, before again being denied clear running throughout the straight at Cranbourne.
She was excellent last start at Flemington over 1800m when chasing home Tarvue to finish 1.25 lengths second, a run that suggested 2000m would be no issue.
This looks no tougher and she’s drawn to enjoy an economical run.
Selections: 2-3-1-4
| 2. I Only Wish (3) J: Luke Currie 59.5kg 63282 T: Robbie Griffiths |
PICK ‘N’ MIX (4) can be forgiven for her first-up effort.
The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained mare played up pre-race and never settled in a stronger contest, but ear muffs have since been added in an effort to keep her calm.
She looked outstanding winning a recent jump-out and prior to that defeat had won three of her previous four starts.
With speed on paper, Luke Currie should be able to have her handy without overdoing it.
Selections: 4-3-9-2
| 4. Pick ‘N’ Mix (7) J: Luke Currie 60kg 1x1x7 T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy |
FROSTNIP (4) returned in terrific order on Geelong Cup Day.
The Price and Kent Jnr-trained filly led over 1100m and fought strongly before being nabbed late by the smart Jewel Bandit, finishing a long neck second while beating home the in-form Job Done.
She’ll strip fitter second-up and the slight drop back in trip looks ideal under the weight.
With natural speed, Jye McNeil should have her right in the firing line.
Selections: 4-1-5-3
| 4. Frostnip (4) J: Jye Mcneil 59kg 169×2 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
GLOBAL ECLIPSE (6) was unlucky not to finish closer last start at Sandown.
The Price and Kent Jnr-trained gelding was shuffled back to last entering the straight and never saw daylight, going to the line with plenty still to offer.
He had been consistent prior with four straight placings and now arrives rock hard fit.
Ben Melham should be able to have him racing in a much more positive position.
Selections: 6-4-1-3
| 6. Global Eclipse (7) J: Ben Melham 58kg 32226 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
ALIANO (1) is a progressive gelding with serious upside.
After two encouraging placings to start the preparation, the Robbie Griffiths-trained runner broke through in dominant fashion at Sale, winning his maiden by 4.25 lengths.
He followed that up last start with another impressive victory at Sandown Hillside, putting the race away to score by 3.75 lengths.
He’s clearly on the up and looks well suited rising to 1400m.
Jye McNeil can settle prominently from the inside draw.
Selections: 1-2-10-13
| 1. Aliano (2) J: Jye Mcneil 61kg x3211 T: Robbie Griffiths |
The Australia Stakes looks an ideal kick-off point for WAR MACHINE (1).
The Team Hayes-trained gelding is at his best fresh and resumed last preparation with a Group 2 Gilgai Stakes victory.
He’s tuned up with two jump-outs, the latest an exceptional piece of work.
As the reigning Stradbroke Handicap winner, he’s well weighted under weight-for-age conditions.
From barrier 2, Jamie Kah should get the run of the race.
Selections: 1-2-8-5
| 1. War Machine (2) J: Jamie Melham 58.5kg x100x T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
PARADISE CITY (1) took a big step forward second-up at Flemington.
The Moody and Coleman-trained mare was held up on straightening, but once clear she charged late to finish three-quarters of a length second, three lengths clear of the rest.
She’ll be fitter again third-up and while she rises in weight, Emily Pozman’s 3kg claim offsets that nicely.
With genuine tempo expected, she should be launching late.
Selections: 1-5-2-7
| 1. Paradise City (2) J: Emily Pozman 62kg 37×82 T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman |