Mellors gets his chance to record a maiden race win after a string of second place finishes this campaign. He has made a habit of finding one better than him, but there is no doubt that he has ability and the step-up in trip does suit. Mark Zahra should be able to settle him right on the speed and that is where you are going to want to be with the rail out seven metres.
2.5 Units Mellors
This looks like an ideal race for Our Sea Goddess. She finished an unlucky second in her Australian racing debut at The Valley and she was able to lead from start to finish to win at Geelong last start. The Darci Brahma mare has the early speed to cross this field from barrier seven and if she finds the front she will prove tough to run down late.
3 Units Our Sea Goddess
Jentico showed plenty of speed when she led from start to finish to win on debut at Kyneton and is a filly that clearly has plenty of upside. There are few jockeys that ride The Valley as well as Stephanie Thornton and there is no doubt that she will take Jentico straight to the front in the early stages of this contest.
2 Units Jentico
Could this finally be the day that Truly High is able to record another race win? He is a horse that simply doesn’t produce a poor performance and he hasn’t missed the placings this campaign, but he does not win out of turn. There is no fitter horse in this field and it would not surprise to see Damian Lane ride Truly High aggressively in an attempt to turn this contest into a genuine staying contest.
3 Units Truly High
Roddandtodd finished second behind Written Choice in the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge at The Valley on October 5 and the form coming out of that race was franked when Written Choice won in impressive fashion again last start. Roddandtodd will be able to sit just behind the leaders in the early stages of this contest and a repeat of his first-up effort would make him very tough to beat in this field.
3 Units Roddandtodd
Rebellious Lord returned to winning form with a tough effort at Warrnambool and before that he finished a close second in a strong form race at The Valley. The step-up in trip suits him and Jamie Mott is the perfect rider for him as he will ride him aggressively in the early stages of this contest. Rebellious Lord should have no trouble finding the lead and he will give his rivals something to catch.
2 Units Rebellious Lord
Sir Kalahad absolutely bolted in to win at Cranbourne last start and it is no surprise that he will start this contest as a clear favourite. He finds himself in another race that doesn’t have a great deal of speed and Brian Werner should be able to control the race from the outset. The All Too Hard gelding is well-placed to make it two wins on the trot.
4 Units Sir Kalahad
D’aguilar made his racing debut with a smart win at Donald and there is no doubt that he has more upside than any other horse in this field. The speed map isn’t great for him and Ethan Brown will have a decision to make in the early stages of this contest, but class will take him a long way in what is not the strongest race.
3 Units D’aguilar