THE LAKES, a $580,000 race at WYONG showcases its unique location between Tuggerah Lake and the Pacific Ocean. The track's unusual configuration features a short straight but a long run from the 1350m chute. It presents a challenging course that often benefits speedier horses and those up on the pace that can handle the sweeping final turn

THE LAKES $500,000

RACE 9 - 1600m

AMOR VICTORIOUS / SUN GOD / MARE OF ST BULLER

Bjorn Baker anticipates AMOR VICTORIOUS will be in excellent form for THE LAKES and has strategically selected this race as a suitable objective. The CARAVAGGIO gelding took a while to come back and was unlucky when never totally clear for 6th in the Gr.2 Ingham at Randwick. Drew away to defeat the impressive MISS JOELENE in the Listed Members Mile at Eagle Farm, so Bjorn will look to have the edge on for this. These are fine odds in what is an even 10 horse field.

☆☆☆☆

The Waller trained SUN GOD is sitting on a light weight and that puts the FASTNET ROCK gelding right in the frame. Won over 1850m at Newcastle in November, then kept chasing for 2nd over 1800m at Randwick. Only clear at the 150m when finishing on for 4th returning to the mile and goes back up in trip as a fully fit Waller horse with nice ability. Will need to lift but good enough to feature if finds clear air late. Could be a Waller v Baker contest with both holding a firm hand.

☆☆☆

MARE OF ST BULLER is another only a few run back into her prep, and never saw daylight when looking for a run resuming over 1300m at Newcastle before winning at Randwick over the mile and proving too strong. The DUNDEEL mare won the Gr.3 Epona Stakes in March and is a powerful type when fully fit. Waller attempted to place her in the most appropriate contests last season and she was a bit hit-and-miss at times. But when on he game we did see her real ability and a more balanced, well-rounded horse is what the stable are looking to achieve. Her last start win suggests she at peak. Keep safe.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 100 HANDICAP

RACE 8 - 1350m

ACCREDITED / THUNDER LIPS / WHINCHAT

Joe Pride has his fine galloper ACCREDITED set for this and his last two in stakes company haven't been too bad. Really has sound ability with fitness on his side and likes the trip. Very short in the market. THUNDER LIPS has the talent to win this for Bjorn Baker and needed the first up run. Super 2nd-up performer and the main danger at much better odds. WHINCHAT has trialed since the first up run and should strip in harder condition. Has garnered plenty of support so keep safe.

BENCHMARK 88 HANDICAP

RACE 4 - 2100m

SOUNDS UNUSUAL / LET'S FLY / LENNOX

SOUNDS UNUSUAL was very good when running 2nd last start over the 1600m and should appreciate this step up in trip. Expect Waller to have the gelding in sound condition 3rd-up and weighted to give this a big shove. LET'S FLY is a pretty handy FLYING ARTIE type from the Freedman yard who is coming back from 2400m. Will be rock hard fit and better suited around the 2000m trip. LENNOX looms as a big player in this and can stay with the GB pedigree. Really looks the one who can capture this for the Archibald’s with the right run.

BENCHMARK 78 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1100m

INDEFENSIBLE / PETTICOAT / HEAT MISSLE

The Joe Pride trained INDEFENSIBLE leaves from the ace gate, sits at a nice weight and gets the blinkers on for this. Won at Warwick Farm in December, and likely to offer a top effort here. Odds are nice PETTICOAT is yet to win at the trip but was solid last prep with two 1000m wins at Randwick. Forget the first up run, can bounce back. HEAT MISSLE has trialed twice in preperation for a return for the Gai/Bott team and went very well at the beginning of her first campaign. Can get on with it over 1100m fresh up and run a big one.