VIDEO REPLAY STARS
Race 2 Number 2 IRON KING
Makes his Class 5 debut off the back of some get back, run on performances in Class 4, which are contrary to some of his better runs in the grade, when he sat on pace within the first four in running at this track and distance. The negative tactics have been a tool to drop points, but his runs haven’t been all too bad, and here he is down in grade with Zac Purton taking over from Matthew Chadwick this week.
Afforded barrier 3 this week should mean he maps in the front division — racing is on the C+3 course on Sunday, so it should play into the hands of those on pace so long as they don’t overdo it from there — and he gets his chance to breakthrough under Purton.
Race 9 Number 6 GALACTIC
Jumped as favourite over the mile at his third race start 42 days ago, however the stewards deemed the performance unacceptable as he weakened to ninth, beaten 9 1/4 lengths, after sitting fifth in running. The early sectionals of the race could reveal why this happened: he travelled at over four lengths faster than standard to the 800m, and six faster than standard to the 400m — too fast for a young three-year-old to handle at his first try at the mile, and no surprise he was under pressure a long way out.
Freshened, back to the 1400m and off the back of a nice barrier trial suggests he can improve in this race.
SECTIONAL TIME STARS
Race 5 Number 10 NOBLE DESIRE
Began fairly last time out at this track and distance 21 days ago, which saw him settle in 13th at the 800m and 12th at the 400m, before closing off in fastest last 400m in the race for a better-than-it-reads sixth, beaten four lengths. It was a race run and won from the front, so his mid-race and late race exertion from the rear was against the race shape. Hopefully, and providing a clean getaway, he can map closer to the speed as he jumps from barrier 2 on Sunday, because he’s knocking on the door for a win.
Race 7 Number 1 CHAMPION SUPREME
Stumbled early last time out at this track and distance 21 days ago, so lost some ground and was steadied thereafter, but worked home in the second fastest last 400m in a race where all the exertion was required mid-race. To finish off into fourth from ninth, standing 4.8 lengths off the lead speed at the 400m, was a big effort, and he looks capable of turning the tables on Defining Moment this week.
