Saturday Racing lays of the day 28 April 2018

This week’s lays represent an excellent opportunity to risk the Hawkesbury Gold Cup favourite, due to expected on speed pressure. Another runner sets up perfectly to suffer a decent case of “afterthought syndrome”. Look for both to drift significantly from their current quotes before finding it very difficult to win, considering the significant obstacles they must overcome.

Hawkesbury Race 7 #2 Ecuador

Does have the class edge on most of these but pays a hefty price in having to lump 59kg. Will try to lead from gate 7 however has to cross plenty of speed drawn to his inside including on pacers Kingsguard and Lovani, which should take its toll.

There definitely looks to be more upside in a few of his rivals and suspect they can ambush him late, coming from off-speed and enjoying what looks to be a very fast tempo up front. It would be ok if he got the lead without pressure and could drop anchor, but simply cannot see how that will occur here. Will have to work overtime to find the lead and keep it. Very keen to oppose at the current $3.50.

Hawkesbury Race 8 #2 Victorem

Will have to be something very special to overcome barrier 14 and the sharp rise in class. He's been the superstar of the Country Championships, winning the main event at Randwick three weeks back, however this is completely different and he must take on some consistent high class city performers for the first time.

Connections look to be exhibiting some greed here, as there is no doubt the Country Championship Final at Randwick would have been the ultimate target and it appears “afterthought syndrome” has clearly set in here. $2.90 is very skinny and suspect he will start much longer odds. A great lay.