RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: The inside four horses all like to show gate speed here, so the battle for the lead is very interesting, with three stablemates and DIRECT COMMAND (2) sandwiched in between them.With that in mind, I’m looking away from the leading division and expect sharp improvement from BACKBEACH PETER (7), who had nothing go right in his two recent runs in SA when failing as a short-priced favourite. I’m happy to overlook those and assess his prior performances, which were terrific. Most notable was a runner-up performance to Rocknroll Willow, who has since franked that form. GRINNING BEACH BOY (4) led from a better draw last time when second. He’s going to need things to work out, but Herbertson sticking with him is a major plus. DIRECT COMMAND (2) could be open to sharp improvement after coming up with his best draw in some time, and the last time he was able to find the top he was a winner back in June. FIVE CENT (5) gets another tricky draw but is racing honestly, as is PRECIOUS BELLE (6), who’s a get-back type. Both have minor claims. BACK: BACKBEACH PETER (7) – 2 units (win)