RACE COMMENT

ANALYSIS: Like race seven, we got a good look at these horses in last week’s prelude at Kilmore and I thought the effort of CLAYTON (5) on debut was very encouraging. He sat parked and ran a great race for second behind CARDIGAN SNIPER (1), who was allowed to stroll to the front and dictate terms. I fancy Nathan Jack will be much more aggressive off the arm in a bid to find the front, and if able to cross, he becomes a great wining hope. CARDIGAN SNIPER (1) is the obvious favourite and horse to beat. He is already a two-time winner and ran well from the breeze when fourth in the hot Rising Star at Ballarat. South Australian visitors BUILDTHEMANASTATUE (2) and SEABREEZE LAD (4) would need to improve to win, but shape as the leading place contenders in the small field of six. BACK: CLAYTON (5) – 4 units (win)