RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: This is a competitive event to open the Ararat Cup meeting with many winning chances. CASE FORTY EIGHT (12) has been in great form since joining Steven Fennell’s team, with five starts for two wins and three seconds. This is a big ask over the short trip from a wide draw, but he has the class and the best sectional times in the event. CALEDONIAN TERRA (3) had to do it tough last start at Hamilton, racing in the breeze and still finishing third. Prior to that he was a winner at Mt Gambier. He’s racing well and will enjoy the forward barrier. OPTIMAL (5) has been racing consistently well, highlighted by a good win at Hamilton last start. With luck, he will be flashing home. SHE WILL WANTANO (7) is a talented mare who can make her own luck, although she will need to from the awkward draw. RACE 2: OVERVIEW: This also looks a tough, open contest with many chances. MIDNITE DESIRE (3) should be able to map forward with Jordan Leedham’s driving style. He has been racing better than his numerical form suggests. KIMCHI (9) has a great barrier to follow through early without being pressured. He will likely be saved for one run and be flashing home late. ITTAKESLUV (8) is racing well and has good sectional times. She will be stuck on the fence and needs luck, but if it comes, she will be strong late. ZU HOFFEN (12) looked strong hitting the line to win at Melton two starts back. James Herbertson drove him there and takes the reins again. It’s a tough barrier, but Herbertson is well equipped to navigate a tricky draw. SELECTIONS: MIDNITE DESIRE (3), KIMCHI (9), ITTAKESLUV (8), ZU HOFFEN (12) RACE 3: OVERVIEW: CALYPSO MISTRESS (3) has the best sectional times in this event and a forward barrier to use to her advantage. She had no luck last start at Ballarat but flashed home strongly. She looks ready to win. WHATA OPTIMIST (2) had to cover an extra 27 metres racing wide when winning at Shepparton last start. From barrier two, he shouldn’t get as far back. ASMILEANDAWINX (7) is second up and will improve from her first-up run. She’s a high-speed mare who will be flashing home. CALEDONIAN RANGER (1) is perfectly positioned as Ararat’s 810-metre track can favour horses on the fence. He has the gate speed to hold a good position.