Race 1 No 8 JAZZ BAND
After jumping from a wide draw last start, he endured a horrid trip just off the speed. Given the early and mid-race exertions, it was no surprise that he weakened in the straight to finish seventh over 1275m.
On that occasion, he also pulled up with respiratory distress. Considering all these factors, he certainly deserves another chance this week.
Race 5 No 4 PACIFIC COMMANDER
His last start can largely be overlooked, as he showed little while settling at the rear of the field. Two starts ago, he ran a credible sixth in Class 3, finishing just 2.75 lengths behind the in-form THUNDEROUS.
Looking further back, he posted a fast-finishing second to top-class sprinter FILIAL DRAGON five starts ago, indicating that a much-improved effort is likely as he drops to Class 4.
Race 10 No 6 SEMANTAN PRINCE
Although he appeared one-paced for much of his last start, his fifth-place finish was better than it looks. In a slowly run race dominated by the leader, he closed strongly late—a performance that ran counter to the race’s shape.
Having not been beaten by more than 2.5 lengths in his last two starts, he has every chance of finishing in the Top 3 if the pace is more genuine.
Race 11 No 8 KHAN PEGASUS
Last time out, he was used up early trying to find the lead from an awkward draw. The early exertion took its toll in the straight, and he faded over the final 250m to finish seventh over 2000m, with late runners filling the Top 3.
All of his wins have come between 1400m and 1775m, so the drop back to 1600m should play to his strengths, making him one to watch this time.
