RACE COMMENT

The first of two small fields to round out the night is the higher-class event on the program, where IRON CLAD (4) and VANQUISH STRIDE (6) gain entry after not winning at their past eight starts. They hold a definite class edge over most of their opposition and would expect both to be fighting out the placings at worst. THE DEVILS FLAME (1) has been racing well since arriving in Tasmania after bringing competitive Victorian form across and gets every opportunity from the pole in the small field. He looks the most progressive runner engaged and could take plenty of holding out. MERRYWOOD PAUL (3) is racing better than his recent numerical form suggests and only needs to maintain those efforts to be highly competitive. The small field should suit after he has been making ground from the rear in recent starts. MISTA EAGLE (2) can never be ruled out in races of this nature and looks the runner most likely to pressure the pole marker early in search of the lead. ALWAYS AURORA (5) has not been on his best behaviour of late, but it would be no surprise to see him bob up and win if he puts his best foot forward. Selections: THE DEVILS FLAME (1), IRON CLAD (4), VANQUISH STRIDE (6), MERRYWOOD PAUL (3)