Palace Whisper has an excellent chance to claim a maiden race win at Geelong this afternoon.

She returned to the races with a good effort at Mornington and she was only narrowly denied by I’m Thunderstruck at Caulfield last start.

This race is no tougher and the fact that Damian Lane remains in the saddle is a positive.

Yulong Island has drawn wide, but I still think that he will prove too strong for the rest of this field.

There isn’t a huge amount of speed engaged in this contest and I expect to see Ethan Brown ride him aggressively in the early stages of the race.

He should have too much quality for what is a fairly week field.

Frisson is the value runner in what is an open edition of the Bellarine Cup.

He was able to break through for a maiden race win at Kilmore last start and it would not surprise if he is now able to go on with the job.

Barrier one is ideal and he will make his own luck right on the speed.

River Twain is well-placed to make a winning return to the races.

He has won at Geelong in the past and he has generally raced in stronger company than this.

Barrier four is perfect for him and he will have every possible chance with Michael Walker in the saddle.