SURF’S UP (12) remains a maiden after three starts but looks poised to progress under the guidance of Chris Waller.
She produced a strong finish when resuming at Warwick Farm two weeks ago, charging home from the rear and swinging wide to get within half a length of Kris Lees’ promising filly, Cantiamo.
Her wide draw presents a tactical challenge, but with just 55kg on her back and Tommy Berry aboard, she’s well-placed to make an impact. The slight drop in distance should suit her, especially after displaying an electrifying turn of foot last start.
| 12. Surf’s Up (17) Scratched: | |||
PICTOR (2) made a striking impression on debut at Kensington in July, storming home down the outside to snatch second in what was arguably the run of the race.
The Written Tycoon colt was promptly spelled ahead of the spring and has since tuned up with a quiet trial at Rosehill, suggesting he’s been kept ticking over nicely.
With James McDonald booked for the ride, there’s plenty to like. Provided the distance isn’t too sharp first-up, he should be charging home again late—especially if he gets a patient steer from off the pace.
| 2. Pictor (6) Scratched: | |||
CAPTAIN MAVERICK (1) may not be a prolific winner, but his recent form suggests he’s knocking on the door.
The Chris Waller-trained five-year-old has been ultra-consistent, placing second in each of his last four outings—including a gutsy effort at Canterbury last Wednesday where he defied his odds to go down narrowly.
Backing up quickly is a telling move from the stable, and with conditions expected to be firmer than the Heavy 9 he faced last week, he looks well-suited to give another honest account.
| 1. Captain Maverick (5) J: James McDonald 60.5kg 52222T: Chris Waller |
SUNSET PARK (4) appears primed for a step up in distance after two solid efforts over 1800m.
Brad Widdup’s mare impressed with a powerful finish to grab second in a stronger Rosehill contest a couple of weeks back, continuing a consistent career that’s seen her place in five of seven starts.
Now fourth-up and fitter for the campaign, she looks well-positioned to perform again—especially with some give in the ground likely to suit her style.
| 4. Sunset Park (7) J: Alysha Collett 59kg 4×412T: Brad Widdup |
MIDNIGHT DYNAMITE (2) returns from a spell with genuine each-way appeal.
Bjorn Baker’s gelding has built a solid record, notching three wins and four placings from ten starts—a testament to his consistency. One of those victories came first-up at Nowra last November, where he cruised home by a length.
He’s tuned up nicely with two sharp trials ahead of this return, and despite the wide draw, expect him to roll forward early and take control of the tempo. If he gets the right run, he’ll be in the mix late.
| 2. Midnight Dynamite (7) J: Josh Parr 60.5kg 3027xT: Bjorn Baker |
MISS FREELOVE (7) returns to the track for Paul Snowden and looks well-suited stepping back in grade.
The lightly-raced filly has already proven herself against stronger company, breaking her maiden at Canterbury second-up before finishing a credible fourth in the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Scone in May.
She’s warmed up with a solid runner-up effort in a recent Randwick trial and brings some handy wet track credentials into this assignment. With conditions to suit and a class drop, she shapes as a genuine contender fresh.
| 7. Miss Freelove (6) J: Kerrin McEvoy 56.5kg 314xT: Peter Snowden |
VERBIL (9) shapes as a strong contender second-up for Team Archibald.
The Fastnet Rock gelding returned in style at Scone two weeks ago, weaving through traffic late and unleashing a powerful finish to score impressively over a slightly shorter trip.
He’ll need to navigate another awkward draw, but with Jason Collett now aboard and a consistent record—placing in four of five starts—he looks well-equipped to keep climbing through the grades.