Tawhiri broke through for a maiden race win last start at Townsville after a host of second place finishes last campaign. He is a horse with promise and it wouldn’t surprise to see him string some wins together this campaign. The 1000 metres is easily his best trip and I would be surprised if he doesn’t start this race as favourite.
The Cheetah’s last-start effort at Cairns was better than it looked on paper and he has been very consistent this campaign. He maps to get a dream run in transit with Olivia Cairns in the saddle and he may never have a better chance to return to winning form.
Soul Star has run well without winning in her past three starts at Caulfield and this is a genuine drop in class. She doesn’t have a great deal of early speed and Michael Poy will be forced to settle her at close to the tail of the field, but she does have an excellent turn-of-foot and with even luck in running she will prove tough to hold out.
Garrard never really delivered on his obvious potential in her maiden racing campaign and it will be interesting to see what she can achieve this preparation. Her best form clearly gives her a class edge over the rest of this field and if she can return to the races in that sort of form she will be tough to beat.