Video Stars
Race 3 No 12 SPECIAL HEDGE
After finishing second to the in-form FAMILY JEWEL in his first run, it was no surprise to see him backed into the favourite last time. However, things went awry as he pulled up with blood in his trachea, indicating that his fifth-place finish doesn’t reflect his true ability.
If he has no health issues this week, he should be hard to beat with only 120lbs on his back.
Race 4 No 4 CHEERFUL WORLD
He had no luck in his first-up run 33 days ago, traveling smoothly just off the pace but finding himself held up between the 400m and 200m marks. Once he found daylight in the final stages, he closed off well to finish fourth, beaten by only 2.5 lengths over this track and distance.
With a smoother run this time and a favourable draw, he’s well-positioned to make amends and break through.
Sectional Stars
Race 1 No 11 SPLENDID STAR
Despite a tardy start, he showed improvement last time out, finishing strongly into sixth place over this track and distance. In addition, the slow tempo made his performance even more compelling. With a clean getaway this week, he could secure a spot in the Top 3.
Race 5 No 4 MARKWIN
A $550,000 yearling purchase, he caught the eye with a fast-finishing second on debut despite being held up from the 400m to the 200m. Had he endured a smoother trip that day, he most likely would have won the race given that he was beaten by only a neck. With that run under his belt, he looks a big winning chance second-up.
