RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: ELLIANA (5) trailed the leader and finished in second behind Imon two starts ago then was held up for a run at a vital stage and finished off well for a handy fourth at Kilmore last week. She is a maiden from 16 starts but she strikes a suitable assignment now and must be considered as a winning chance. MAJOR FRIEND (3) began quickly to lead, took cover behind the eventual winner Esthers Best at the 1100m and battled on fairly well for second last week. She is nicely drawn and this race is no harder so she is worth thought again. BETTER THEN DAICOS (4) is a former New South Wales pacer, which joins trainer Mick Carbone. He was narrowly beaten when second behind Zealyn at a recent Kilmore trial performance and must be kept safe. A ROCKN NIGHTMARE (8) performed below expectations last outing but is capable of better. DEMARTINO (7) settled in the second half of the field and picked up some ground when fifth at Shepparton last week. He is poorly drawn but is not without a chance. The first starters ARRIVAL TIME (1) and OUTPOST (6) have both performed fairly at the trials and cannot be left out of calculations.