Video Replay Stars
Race 1 Number 4 Sky Gem
Went down by a half-length into third as the $3.3 favourite over 1650m at Happy Valley last start, however he was beaten by the race shape when dissecting the sectionals. The leader and eventual winner had a cozy time, running -8.3 lengths below average to the 400m, with SKY GEM two lengths astern at that stage of the race.
SKY GEM rebounded off the slow early speed with some quality late sectionals so there was a ton of merit to the run and he can be given another chance to score this week.
Race 6 Number 9 Casimiro
Ran his best race yet two starts ago when finishing a solid second after being severely hampered at the 50m before going on to finish 12th place second-up. The difference in early speed between his first-up and second-up runs was quite drastic, close to eight lengths faster to the 800m and 6 ½ to 4 ½ to lengths faster to the 600m and 400m, respectively, so it’s no surprise he weakened sharply.
He’s a one-time winner on the AWT when racing overseas so he’s a chance of retuning to form and surprising at value this week.
Sectional Time Stars
Race 4 Number 4 Fresh Power
Stormed home for a nice second last start when producing the second fastest last 400m in the race off a slow early speed to miss by a head on the line. Zac Purton takes the ride from barrier 1.
Race 5 Number 7 Lucky Guy
Looks on the verge of scoring a third career win after doing little wrong at his first-up and second-up runs when producing some quality late splits. 1400m looks ideal now and barrier 4 gives him every chance.