RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: BETTOR PUNTER (7) has had the flashing light on him his past couple and looks ready to win. Two back, in a good-quality field, he just had too much to do in a slick last half, and last time was very well backed, storming home from near last to miss by the barest margin. This is a significantly easier field he opposes here, and despite likely being map-negative from the draw, he can be too strong late. ZION JEWEL (9) creates interest as a five-year-old first starter from an astute stable. She’s had two decent trials into this, winning the most recent, although she was entitled to considering the depth of that trial. Watch betting. TRICODE (5) has come through similar company to the top pick and has been good, albeit from better draws than he faces here. Those form lines look superior to much of the opposition. VILLAVOS (2) carried a flat tyre last time so forgive that run. She has been racing against some decent maiden company, so could be open to improvement from the favourable draw. BACK: BETTOR PUNTER (7) – 3 units (win)