RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: We open the annual Birchip meeting with a maiden event for the trotters where Ricky Ryan’s METRO SWISH (2) looked a great winning chance before being scratched. This leaves FAR AS POSSIBLE (4) as perhaps the horse to beat. She hasn’t raced since May last year, but has shown some signs in her six starts to date where she started well in the market. She ran last in a recent trial against the pacers at Maryborough where they got home in 29.4, but was only beaten 13m or so. Hails from the strong McNaulty stable and goes on top. ISLAND RUBEE (5) contested the hot Group 3 Breed For Speed Gold on Saturday and was beaten near 100m, but hasn’t been too far away in other runs this campaign, while HEAR ME MAJOR TOM (3) is worth keeping safe on debut after a recent trial victory at Bacchus Marsh. Francis Weston runners LADY OF TIAVON (7) and ATEGO ROBBO (8) might be able to fill the back end of First 4s. BACK: FAR AS POSSIBLE (4) – 2 units (win)