1. Arlington Valley | Came on strong when just beaten last start at Murwillumbah on a soft track and has three placings from 11 runs this prep. Likely to race on the speed in a race with minimal pressure expected. Beautifully placed. |
2. Cheers to All | Won once this prep at Murwillumbah two runs back and goes well on a softer track. Expected to settle off the speed. Well placed. |
3. Financial | Faded to finish ninth last start at Sunshine Coast on a soft track but takes a 3kg claim. Has placed in three runs from seven this campaign. Place only. |
4. Itsallkay | Unplaced in all six runs this prep and gets the winkers back on. Has plenty of weight. Hard to get enthused. |
5. Anatolian Charm | Won once this prep at Coffs Harbour five runs back and has run well with the sting out of the ground. Rates highly with Raymond Spokes aboard. Serious player. |
6. Boltin' Desire | Has placed in two runs from nine this campaign but soft track could be problematic. Big rise in weight. Outsider. |
7. Pequina Colina | Unplaced in all four runs this prep and up in trip. Place. |
8. Hichaux | In the money last start running third at Scone on a heavy track and has three placings from 12 runs this prep. Likely to race off the speed. Expected to be a contender. |
9. Star Quest | 3-1/2 len 6th of 8 (4) $13.00 54.0 Thrasher 2200m Gold Coast Mdn Hcp Heavy(10) Dec 19. 5-3/4 len 7th of 9 (4) $81.00 56.5 Olympic Gift 2000m Murwillumbah Plate (C1) Soft(5) Dec 27. |
10. Sharp Wit | Yet to break out of maiden grade after 29 attempts and faces a rise in distance. Has not won in five outings to Lismore before. Hard to get enthused. |
11. Travelling Matilda | Returns from six week let-up. Finished six lengths back last start at Coffs Harbour when resuming but carrying less weight, prefer others. |