AURIE'S STAR HANDICAP G3

RACE 7 - 1200m

WAR MACHINE / ARKANSAW KID / NDOLA

The Stradbroke winner of last year in WAR MACHINE was brought back for a tilt at the Newmarket in March but was trapped out a bit with no cover and only laboured home. The Hayes had him flying though last season, winning the BRC Sprint up in Queensland, with the HARRY ANGEL gelding also claiming the Gr.2 Gilgai down the Flemington straight in October. Plain since in limited runs but has trialed up a treat and should offer a bold effort fresh up. Ultra talented at best.

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The other HARRY ANGEL gelding also trained by the Hayes is ARKANSAW KID, and he was last seen when finishing 3rd in the Matrice Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in March. Won the Bobby Lewis last spring before running 2nd in the Meteorite and 3rd in the Supernova. Pretty slick when 2nd to Aussie compatriot in the Gr.1 Railway at Ellerslie and the team can build back to that kind of form. Two very sound jumpouts to prepare for a return.

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NDOLA has a great record at Flemington and has won 5 from 8 at the distance, unbeaten here over the trip. With that in mind he looks a hot chance with a Hayes Trifecta a realistic proposition if able to hold this form.

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BENCHMARK 100 HANDICAP

RACE 8 - 1400m

TEN COMMANDMENTS / DUCHESS ZOU / CRAIG

The Ciaron Maher-trained TEN COMMANDMENTS ended his winning streak at Caulfield but was left in front pulling hard with the pattern against the leaders. Did well fighting on for third, but effortless win at Sandown before gapping them with a strong gallop over 1420m at Flemington. Has really come of age this prep and we expect the PALENTINO gelding to be in amongst once again nearing the line. No weight the big plus factor.

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CRAIG hasn't raced since Boxing Day 2025 and you would have to go back a year prior to that when this TERRITORIES gelding was really up and firing, finishing 2nd in the Sandown Stakes before a bold effort for 2nd in behind ANTINO in the Toorak at Caulfield. Obviously yhe Busuttin/Young team have struck a few issues along the way and are looking to get back on track, however, this imported gelding is gifted if able to get back to his best.

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Maher also has the exquisite DUCHESS ZOU to bloster his win chances and she has really gone to another level working through the grades this prep. Won at Sandown and Flemington over 1400m, but couldn't quite match the winner returning there. Hit the line strongly to take out the Lelani Final and the ZOUSTAR more has a real affinity for this Melbourne course. Will be winding up hard once again and can go close.

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BENCHMARK 100 HANDICAP

RACE 3 - 2000m

SEA THAT STORM / GLORY DAZE / STAR OF INDIA

We have been keen to track the Price/Kent Jnr gelding SEA THAT STORM early in his prep and we expect something big is bubbling after three runs back, wuth the shift up in trip probably the key to improvement. The imported gelding was in the UK winning four straight up to 2020m and the two mile runs in Melbourne saw him wide and back. Should score every opportunity here and much fitter. Odds are a bit tight but should be ready to go.

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GLORY DAZE sticks at the 2000m and in the three runs at the trip he did manage a win in the McKell Cup at Rosehill just over a month ago. Had every chance here last start but was pushed wider and got through the line ok despite looking a little plain. Willing to forgive that effort as gelding may have needed it and likely to strip much fitter.

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Not sure how long we stick with STAR OF INDIA from the Waller camp, although the GALILEO gelding has been pretty good of late and things don't always fall his way or he runs into trouble. Solid finishing 2nd here over the distance and then held up for clear running room and buffeted at the 200m when 3rd at Flemington last start. Gain some open air late this time then definitely a chance and certainly deserves one.

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BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP

RACE 1 - 2520m

NEARCO FROD/ BLUESTONE / STOP THE ROCK

The McEvoy's look to have another fine imported stayer in NEARCO FROD who won in France before a slow build up in Melbourne last winter. Returned in May with placings at Pakenham and Cranbourne, then kept going strongly to win over 2400m at Sandown Lakeside. Loomed up in the centre of the track to draw clear late attacking the same distance there and the HUNTER'S LIGHT gelding does seem the real deal. May be hard to hold out again.

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BLUESTONE can be a bit plain as a stayer sometimes, however, he has returned well, just missing 3rd on a Heavy Sandown track after a two month freshen up. Returned to compete in a 2400m race on that particular course, once again encountering a challenging wet track. Went back and managed to maintain a reasonable pace despite being positioned behind a wall of horses running on ok. Fitter now and a dry Flemington the key to an improved showing.

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This looks a good challenge for STOP THE ROCK who came back in June to win over 1700m at Caulfield before being hampered in the PRINCE ERIC 2000m race at Caulfield but moved wider and finished off well to grab 3rd place. Had another crack at the trip there last start and only battled steadily four wide after being giggled at. Micky Dee sticks and drops 2kg. Has won 5 from 12 so progressive enough.

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