This is another all-weather contest and it’s probably just a race to have smaller ‘speck bets’ if at all. Based on their respective last runs, which incidentally came on December 19, there is very little between HEARTS KEEPER, NICE KICK and JOYFUL CONTENDER. There was less than half a length between how they rated there and each one of them could have probably finished a touch closer. I think the winner should come from one of these three and a lot will depend on who receives the right run in the race from their rider. In the early markets, Hearts Keeper is clearly the overs although the nine-year-old is clearly far closer to the end of his career. DR PROACTIVE handles the surface and the only time we saw him this season he performed quite well. Callan retains the ride and even though the horse is returning from a break due to lameness, he worked like he could run a competitive race. Overall, I’m happy to have outlays on two or three here, but keep it small!