RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: TARA VICTORY (11) drops significantly back in grade from what she’s been facing at Melton in her seven runs this preparation. She won’t have the opportunity to use her gate speed from this draw, but based on her peak times, she’s significantly quicker than the majority of these. Earlier this season she won three from five when racing in similar grade, so if the tempo is suitable, she will be very strong late. IM WESLEY (10) is racing in career-best form this season, missing a place only four times in 16 starts. Those performances have all come with the opportunity to map well, and he now goes to the back row for the first time this season. However, there does appear to be a lot of speed off the front row, which may bring the backmarkers into it. HELLO POSSUMS (3) resumes from a break here off a couple of good trials, and her best preparation last time in saw her win two from three. She’s in the mix for the speed map, but there are a few others likely to have a look. MOMENTUM SHIFT (9) is another who finds more suitable company, having raced in strong races, often from bad draws. He can punch through off a solid tempo, and the last time he was in this ratings band he was a winner at Melton. As far as the minor money is concerned, it’s a long tail of chances, so play wide on the bottom line for exotics. BACK: TARA VICTORY (11) – 2 units (win)