Cranbourne Best Bets – Sunday, June 21 

EXPANDING POWER (7) has been thereabouts this preparation and gets winkers applied for the first time. 

The son of Doubtland settled near the rear in a slowly run 1400m maiden at Sale last start before making good late ground in the straight. 

He produced the fastest final 200m of the race, suggesting the rise in distance will be to his advantage. 

Lachie Neindorf takes the ride and, in a small field where he should be able to settle closer to the speed, he can make his presence felt. 

BLUE SHIELD (2) has done little wrong in three starts to date and looks close to breaking through after consecutive runner-up finishes. 

The Price & Kent Jnr-trained gelding fought on well in testing conditions at Mornington last start, finishing just three-quarters of a length from the winner over 1200m. 

He has finished second at his past two starts and now gets blinkers applied for the first time. 

Lachie Neindorf retains the ride and, with the benefit of race experience over most of his rivals, he rates as the horse to beat. 

SEINFELD (9) has shown promise in two starts to date and appears well placed to break through at his third race-day appearance. 

The Clayton Douglas-trained gelding found the front at Seymour last start and fought on strongly to finish three-quarters of a length from the winner over 1600m. 

That effort suggests the rise in distance here will suit and he should strip fitter with two runs under his belt. 

Daniel Stackhouse retains the ride and, if he can control the race from the front again, there may be no soup for his rivals. 

NEARCO FROD (1) resumed with an encouraging effort at Pakenham last start and looks well placed to go close here. 

The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained gelding was beaten less than half a length over 2000m on a Heavy track after a lengthy absence from the races. 

That was his first start as a gelding and he should strip fitter for the outing. 

Jackson Radley claims 2kg and he should enjoy a soft run from the low draw.