1

Drunken Sailor

Lost form at his last two when promising to win. The blinkers were tried last run but made no improvement. Can finish in the money on his best showing. 

2

Chattertons Keeper

Battling for his second win but has been in good form over course and distance of late. He was a close-up fourth last run, beaten less than a length from a wide draw. The stable is in form and he has gate No 2.

3

Preemptive Strike

Was deemed good enough to make the long trip to Cape Town for their summer season. He did pay his way with a maiden win when fitted with blinkers. He has had one run back but the stable is going through a lean patch.

4

Trying Times

Was a comfortable maiden winner last run after two close-up efforts before that. The handicappers were a little heavy-handed and although he comes from the current log-leading stable he could find this tough going. 

5

Prince Of Taranto

Like Trying Times, he was lumbered with a tough merit rating after his maiden win but did run a cracker first up in handicap company. The stable rate him highly so not one to leave out of any calculations.

6

Gentleman’s Way

Looks fairly leniently treated at these weights. His last win was over course and distance and he was not disgraced when taking on stronger last time out. He has a very much in form rider aboard and should make a bold bid. 

7

Mr Gonzales

This gelding has a few temperament issues but is highly rated by his stable. He had something of a boil-over at his last start when one from last but prior to that had shown why he is held in high regard. Not one to punt with any confidence but is definitely capable with his preferred apprentice rider aboard.

8

Avenir

Useful gelding that has been in good form of late beating the luckless Greenlighttoheaven two runs back. He was a beaten favourite behind Flying Peter (Reserve runner) last time out and can make amends.

9

Love The View

Was close up at long odds over course and distance last time out. He had a difficult draw that day and was touched off less than a length. Lyle Hewitson, currently well clear on the National Log, rides for his father.

10

Fight Song

Never too far back and has been taking on stronger on the poly at recent outings. He takes a big drop in class and is definitely one to include in all calculations.

11

Tambora

Has his third run after a break and should be close to his peak. However, he will need improvement on recent showings. He has a top rider aboard so must be considered for minor placings.

12

Vista Nova

Stable companion to Tambora and has the stable rider aboard. He has taken on much stronger since shedding his maiden and takes a major drop in class. He comes from a top stable that has been a little quiet of late and he needs to improve on his last two.

13

Toltec

Touch off on the poly last run when tried back in blinkers. He is something of a course and distance specialist but does have it all to do from a deep draw in a highly competitive line-up. Has a money chance.

14

Greenlighttoheaven

Showed a lot of promise early in his career but has since been struggling to land his second win. That said he has been threatening of late and goes well over course and distance. He likes to race handy and a wide draw will not be in his favour.

Reserves

15

Flying Peter

First reserve runner that has come to hand nicely of late. However, he has shown his best form on the polytrack. Only out of the money twice in nine starts, he is a must inclusion in all calculations should he get a run.

16

Bedazzled Joker

Second reserve runner. Always a dangerous customer but will battle to feature in this line-up. 

17

Admiral’s Guest

Third reserve runner. Dropping in the ratings but does appear to be past his best. Likes to go handy.