RACE COMMENT

The winning run of CAPTAINS KNOCK (11) came to an end in the Shirley Turnbull Memorial at Bathurst last start but his effort for second after working forward from the back row still had plenty of merit. Claimed some big scalps in winning six in a row prior, four of them at this circuit. He has proven that he can overcome wide barriers so can return to the winners' list. There was plenty to like about the Australian debut of RAKERO ROCKET (8) when he pushed forward from this barrier and finished second to topliner Don Hugo. That was his first outing for nearly six weeks so it should have improved him. NYACK (9) came from a similar barrier to this when he scored at this circuit and distance last month. He is worth including along with UBETCHA TIGERPIE (10) who got within 2m of Captains Knock when runner-up here two back, albeit from a better barrier. Wouldn't shock to see HUTA (2) get into the first four from his low draw.