Early markets have again been picked off by shrewd punters, who are active at both key venues.
At Flemington, the booking of Blake Shinn provides an excellent lead with a key runner mid-way through the card.
Whilst at the stand-alone Scone meeting punters are again keen on an Annabel Neasham import.
Scheelite
Won on debut at Sandown when he overcame the slow tempo up front to get home over the top.
Although the last start win was in a small field of 5, he still showed an above-average ability to come from last and round them all up.
Fitter here and provided he handles the Flemington straight, he can go right on with it.
Altivo
Unbeaten Team Hawkes runner who is flying through the grades and steps up to Benchmark 78 grade for the first time.
He looks suited by the extra journey, now out to 1600m and his racing style suggests the mile will encourage him to relax in the run.
Jumping from a mid-draw (gate 9) they can find the moving line 3-wide with cover, and can peel and charge home as they like.
D’Jumbuck
Has been a big tip all week from many shrewd names in racing and the early betting certainly reflects this popularity.
He was good winning at Sandown last start when darted through late to be very strong through the line.
The form two starts back behind the smart Kallos and The Bopper gives added confidence, as does the booking of Blake Shinn!
White Marlin
Failed last start at Pakenham where there appeared to be a lack of judgment early and through the mid-stages.
I’m happy to forgive his latest run and expect the rider's focus and timing of sectionals will be much sharper here.
This is the Grand Final with a significant prize of entry into the Melbourne Cup.
He should simply lead and run them all into the ground.
In My Dreams
2yo filly on debut for a gun camp in Mark Newnham, who have prepared her with two solid trial hit-outs.
She looks ready to fire first-up and the ownership group will have a big contingent on course expecting her to run well.
From gate 1 expect she can push forward and prove very hard to run down.
Quantico
Has a touch of quality coming via Artorius’ Group 1 Canterbury Stakes last time out.
He has since been freshened and readied with one recent trial.
The draw looks perfect here (gate 3) and Jason Collett can have him parked just in behind the speed, before presenting mid-way down the straight.
Penthouse
Was a huge run last start when winning at Hawkesbury, where she did it tough up-front on a hot speed.
She will be rock hard fit now following the brutal last-start effort.
Strikes a race where it appears she may be able to find the lead again and be the strongest of the on-speed profiles.
She could have more improvement now second-up!
Healing Oasis
Annabel Neasham Import, who won well at her Australian debut last start at Rosehill.
They will go back from the wide draw (gate 18) and should be suited by the expected fast tempo.
The ownership group will be looking for a quick return with this one, as it is never cheap sourcing international runners and travelling them to our shores.
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