RACE COMMENT

The barrier draw has added intrigue to what many may have expected, as TRIEDTOTELLYA (12) comes up with the outside back row draw, and while he has comfortably handled similar opposition in recent months, he will need to be at his best to win from there. However there appears to be genuine speed engaged over the longer trip, which should suit, with the Conor Cook-trained trio of MAEBEE (2), MAGNETIC TERROR (5) and GLENLEDI ELVIS (6) all possessing good gate speed and likely to press forward to settle handy. MAEBEE (2) has been excellent since joining the stable and although slightly disappointing in last week’s heat, he is expected to bounce back and looks the stable’s leading chance. CELEBRITY ROYAL (7) was well driven into second in the first heat and continues to improve, but faces a tricky draw. Driver tactics will be key, particularly if several inside runners push forward early, which could shape the race significantly over the staying journey. THE SHALLOWS (11) has been racing well without much luck in recent starts but showed his true ability when afforded a soft run in transit to score comfortably in last week’s heat. DALTON SHARD (9) can also be in the finish if he produces his best New Zealand form. PARDOE PLUGGA (1) and HORATIO SPECULO (8) both draw to receive economical pegs runs and could be sneaky chances late with clear running at the right time.Selections TRIEDTOTELLYA (12), THE SHALLOWS (11), DALTON SHARD (9), MAEBEE (2)