BENCHMARK 100 HANDICAP

RACE 8 - 1800m

FIRST CHORUS / GLORY DAZE / LITZDEEL

Really hard to criticise FIRST CHORUS from the Lindsay Smith barn who just keeps banging out nice performances, and she was able to control the pace easily at Caulfield over the 1600m with only 51.5kg on her back. Got into a two horse war with MAKDANE there the run prior but still prevailed the victor and the GHIBILLINES mare just seems to grow another leg on this circuit. Fifth run in so as fit as she could possibly be and can do it again.

☆☆☆☆

It may be worth sticking with GLORY DAZE who won well at Rosehill Gardens over 2000m, and coming back in trip should suit nicely. The Ciaron Maher-trained COTAI GLORY gelding has been around a while but has not been overraced by any standard. 2nd to SALTCOATS at the 1800m last spring, then runner-up at the Gold Coast in March over the same distance. Likely to be seriously fit and odds are sound enough.

☆☆☆

LITZEEL is an out-and-out stayer who finished 5th in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in April running on at the line and should be holding some residual fitness. Yes, this trip is not exactly his thing, but with a jumpout behind her we believe the DUNDEEL mare could go a cheeky race over this trip if the pace is on early. Definitely the fresh legs should see her offer a bold effort, although not suited to a sit and spriint.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 100 HANDICAP

RACE 3 - 1000m

BEAST MODE / BAZABALL REWARDED / STOKKE

When this goes into BEAST MODE he is hard to contain, although the race pattern at Caulfield in the Monash after a month freshen up was dead against and he stood little chance. Resumed with a nice return in June, unable to pick up BAZABALL REWARDED but led for a bit yntil the 100m and needed it. The Hayes gelding is seldom far away, winning two at Moonee Valley in the Spring and we could see a more dominant performance on Saturday.

☆☆☆☆

BAZABALL REWARDED has seemly come from nowhere to command a great deal of respect sprinting in Melbourne and if you can forgive the Monash where he ran out of room at the 100m, then right in this. Kelvin Southey struck the right note with this mare last summer, winning three over 1000m at Mornington, then always in control resuming at Caulfield. Fit and flying to win again at Sandown mid June before a rock solid 2nd there. Can carry weight, so beware.

☆☆☆

Possibly worth considering STOKKE as a seriously hot fresh up performer capable of running well following two winning trials to prepare. Won at Sandown and Moonee Valley over 1000m carrying 60kg in the spring, then took on a quality field at Caulfield and couldn't go on with it. Bounced back with a slick victory down the Flemington straight before a well-earned rest. Should hit the ground running with Shinn on a bonus.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 88 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1200m

STYLISH / CUSTOM / PIASTRI

STYLISH returned with a hiss and a roar with three runs at Flemington that resulted in two second placings either side of a win at the 1400m. Produced three wide by Radley and ran clear late in a strong display of her ability and just a genuine galloper. The Hayes-trained LONHRO mare has trialled since for a win, but now gets to Caulfield where she has yet to win one. Will be an interesting one away from Flemington, but she is stylish.

☆☆☆☆

CUSTOM is proving to be a formidable competitor following a decisive victory on the course two weeks prior. The strategy involved maintaining a position just off the pace, then maneuvering wider after finding a clear path through, culminating in a powerful surge to secure the win. It is anticipated that Maher-trained mare can probably hold this form and go close down on 52kg with the Jabez claim.

☆☆☆

PIASTRI secured a remarkable victory three weeks ago at Flemington, outperforming his rivals with a powerful sprint expertly guided by Craig Williams. This triumph came after a period of steady progress, indicating the potential for ongoing success for the CHOISIR gelding. Drawn the ace gate and ideally would prefer some give in the track with four wins coming on the Soft stuff. Ethan Brown takes the reins.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP

RACE 9 - 1500m

CHANGING COLOURS / ELOUYOU / HE'LL RIP

CHANGING COLOURS, a daughter of THE AUTUMN SUN, placed in 11 of 15 starts for Waller including three wins before transferring to Lucy Yeoman at Cranbourne. Trialled up super sharp there before a 4th place resuming at Flemington, but really put it all together over the mile at Melbourne HQ, charging clear the final 100m. Always had time for this mare and she can go on with it.

☆☆☆☆

ELOUYOU is a strong contender for trainer Scott Cameron after demonstrating a commendable performance at Rosehill three weeks prior. The SO YOU THINK gelding maintained a forward position and appearing poised for victory before being narrowly overtaken by ROMEO'S CHOICE in the final stages. Given his favourable racing style and a potentially advantageous trip, the 1500m distance is tailor-made.

☆☆☆

The HELLBENT gelding HE'LL RIP hasn't been too far away in three runs back from a short spell and he does loom as a value bet if able to reach his peak and behave properly. Was clear at Flemington before being run down by a rampant ROADCONE, then held up slightly at Caulfield but took the gap for 3rd, followed by a 3rd on a wet Sandown chasing the winner home. If he can find an extra 10% of oomph, then could run into the money again.

☆☆

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