England did plenty wrong when he made his debut at Canterbury, but he was still able to find the line nicely and he clearly has some ability. I like the fact that trainer Chris Waller has given England a barrier trial between race starts and he has the benefit of James McDonald in the saddle. If he behaves himself, he should prove tough to beat.
The wide barrier draw cost Gentle Persuasion at Randwick last start and she would have won with any luck in running. She has shown a nice turn-of-foot in all three of her race starts today and she maps to get a lovely trail into this contest with McDonald in the saddle. She is well-placed to return to winning form this afternoon.
Ellie’s Encore has recorded four wins from her eight race starts to date and she wasn’t disgraced when she contested the Light Fingers Stakes earlier this year. Her two trials ahead of her return to the races has been excellent and she is a mare that makes her own luck right on the speed. The $15 currently available is well and truly over the odds.
The scratching of Eawase has left Wagner as the clear standout in this field. He returned to the races with a dominant win at Canterbury and he still has the scope to improve on that performance. The wide barrier draw isn’t ideal, but he does have some early speed and he should be able to cross this field to take up a forward position.