BIG PARTY was heavily backed late in betting when he made his debut and appeared to run out of fitness during the last 150m of the race. He has had two trials since and looks ready to run better on the all-weather track this afternoon. Big Party should secure a good run from barrier 6 and I think he’ll win.

Result: 1st @ $4.60 best corporate (+21.6 units)

Whilst I respect that Ugly Warrior is one of the leading chances and the horse to beat in race 9 there’s no way I can mark him as short as he has come up at early (odds on). GUNNISON is poorly drawn but should be able to sit behind a strong speed and is capable of finishing over the top of them at his best. PERPETUAL TREASURE and MEGA RED are two other horses that are more than capable of winning this race and they rate better with me to do so than the early market has “pegged” them.

Results: 2nd (-3 units) + 5th (-2 units) + 9th (-2 units) + (-1.5 units) -> (-8.5 units)

The last should be run at a genuine speed with MR SO AND SO mapping to get one of the runs of the race. Whilst he has to carry top-weight and has to concede to nearly all others he rates to be good enough to overcome this. HOME RUN should be more or less at his peak for this preparation and I expect him to be able to run into the finish. He just needs a little luck given his run-style and the map.

Result: 1st @ $7.50 best corporate (+22.75 units) + 6th (-2 units) -> (+20.75 units)