BALLARAT CUP (L)
RACE 9 - 2000m

POSITIVITY / KINGSWOOD / STATUARIO

We're finding it challenging to distance ourselves from the ALMANZOR mare POSITIVITY, who appears to be performing at a significantly lower level than what we believe she is capable of. Plodded away in the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) on an unsuitable Heavy 8 Flemington track last start, and completely thrown out by the slackened pace midrace in the Tesio (2040m) at the Valley the run prior. Three, then four wide in the Coongy Cup at Caulfield, so only needs a few things to finally fall her way. Trainer Andrew Forsman knows how good this mare is, having won Gr.3 Foundation Cup at Caulfield and Fillies Classic at Morphettville as a 3yo. She did win the Sunline Vase and finished 2nd in the Oaks during her time in NZ, so we wouldn't be surprised to see a better performance here at El loco odds.

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Gavin Bedggood scratched KINGSWOOD from the  Eclipse Stakes, for which he was favourite, expecting that the gelding would not appreciate the Soft 7 track condition on race morning, only to see the predicted rain fail to arrive. The imported grey stallion has really stepped it up for Bedggood this prep and looks one of the hardest to beat. Won the Gr.3 Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield last year after a strong 1800m victory at Sandown, then battled on steadily for 5th here in the Zipping Classic (2400m). The ROARING LION six-year-old angled wide for 2nd over 1700m at Flemington 2nd-up this prep, then wound up hard to take out the Listed Ichiban Plate (1800m) on Melbourne Cup day.

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STATUARIO from the Emma-Lee and David Browne stable was a standout running home hard in the Grey's race at Flemington. The D'ARGENTO gelding ran a tidy 3rd behind TOO DARN DISCREET over 1700m, then 4th to Melbourne Cup winner HALF YOURS in the Gr.3 Naturalism and 5th in the Coongy Cup behind WOOTTON VERNI, both over 2000m. He did run 2nd in the SA Derby as a three-year-old and proved he has some ability as an up-and-coming stayer. Well weighted, nice gate and has the potential to offer the best value in the cup.

☆☆☆

TONKS PLATE BM100
RACE 7 - 1100m

CONTEMPORARY / CARBONADOS / WIGGUM

Hate the draw but love the horse CONTEMPORARY, and his record speaks volumes despite being somewhat overlooked here. Third up record is supreme, however we have a sneaky suspicion the James Cummings stable will have him up for this in his second run this prep. Only ever finished out of the money twice over 1200m in eight starts and track stats are very strong. With Nash Rawiller aboard, a strategic riding performance could significantly improve his chances. Good fresh up performer who could give this a serious nudge from the ace gate at big odds.

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CARBONADOS comes across as a talented BELARDO gelding from the Hayes stable, although not such a noted 2nd-up performer. Was ok last season, scoring a couple of wins, then really stepped it up when charging away to win over 1200m at Randwick in early November after being held up behind the leaders. After a nice win in January, the Kiwi import was subsequently sold to clients of Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes, who were quickly impressed by what their new recruit showed them in trackwork and trials. Seems a push button type, but he can do a few things wrong, so cautious.

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WIGGUM comes into this after a couple of fine runs resuming, is well weighted here and goes particularly well third-up. Claims 3kg, so down on the bare minimum, so just has to be a royal chance at reasonable odds. The RICH ENUFF gelding won at Morphettville over 1050m before a freshen up, then worked home solidly resuming in the Gytrash Series Final there over 1200m. Finished 2nd, then 3rd in three-year-old company at Flemington early in the year and Travis Doudle come across to Ballarat looking for a dominant performance. Appears a decent lightweight chance at fair odds.

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BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP
RACE 10 - 1400m

SEAFALL / SUNSHINEINMYPOCKET / SOUGHT AFTER

The Chris Waller-trained SEAFALL is a progressive type and displayed some serious ability in the spring, and now finds herself in the hands of the Hayes boys in Melbourne. Won over 1580m in September, then at Rosehill over 1800m. THE AUTUMN SUN mare has had two soft jumpouts, leaves from gate (1) with Zac Wadick claiming 2kg. Not a noted fresh up performer, however good enough to get onto the money and we wouldn't put it past this stable prepping her well forward to resume. Shite gate, but the odds reflect market confidence here.

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Ciaron Maher has been killing it with this PROISIR gelding SUNSHINEINMYPOCKET who as worked through the grades at a solid pace, winning 5 from 10 since winning a Ballarat maiden last year. Tends save his best for Sandown, but defeated MOLLYKNICKERS over 1400m at Caulfield in June, before a long rest period. Resumed in late September with a fine 2nd at the Valley after angling five wide, then held up coming wide once again and finished up 3rd over 1440m at Caulfield after finding some space shifting out. Good at the trip and can go harder this time in.

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SOUGHT AFTER ran a much improved race at big odds last start, and the Ex-pat Kiwi is a good horse who will show up some time soon. Now with the Moody/Coleman team, the TIVACI gelding raced against some fine three-year-olds in NZ and he did finish 2nd to DAMASK ROSE over 1200m at Te Rapa, then ran 4th in the NZB KIWI behind that exceptional horse and EVAPORATE. Got a bit tight when 3rd to HARRY'S YACHT at Bendigo, and that was his best result since crossing the ditch. Unlucky last start, although up to 1400m puts him right in the frame. Could easily come out and win this at super tidy odds.

☆☆☆

BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP
RACE 8 - 2000m

POLITELY DUN / HOWLIN RAIN’ / PARTY CRASHER

We have stood by the Danny O'Brien-trained three-year-old gelding POLITELY DUN from day one, and despite only winning a single race, he has always looked above average as a strong endurance competitior. Resumed in February building towards this race, but really displayed his true staying ability when sprinting home better then anything else for 2nd over 2400m at Caulfield last start. That includes the favourite here, STATUARIO who won. Typically slow away, the gelding is bred to stay, with his dam POLITENESS (Street Sense) a top-flight G1 galloper. Only needs a safe trip and some clear air to charge into it late. Odds are highly appealing and has the capacity to win this.

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The FIORENTE gelding HOWLIN’ RAIN wasn't bad finishing 2nd at Mornington over the mile before going clear at the top of the straight to win the Moe Cup (2050m). Looks likely to be in top shape for trainer Cindy Alderson, who has guided the horse to run up to his full potential. Should really be a strong staying type being out of a GALILEO mare in RAIN SPECIAL and this boy can continue to make the step up. Won at Seymour, Caulfield Heath and two at Moonee Valley within the past 12 months, so looks worthy enough.

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PARTY CRASHER looks likely to jump favourite here for trainer Michael Hickmott, and this OCEAN PARK gelding has come across as a highly talented type with plenty of upside. Won two at Morphettville over 2000m in May, then faded resuming after stalking the pace at Murray Bridge. Crept closer before doing tge best in the final strides over 2000m at Flemington on Cup day, and that form is good enough for this. Probably can go pretty close here, especially only finishing past 2nd in one out of his seven career starts.

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