Geelong Tips & Preview | Wednesday 26 November

UP YOU GO (3) was strong through the line at Mornington last start over a similar trip, finishing second after finding a late run along the rail.

The son of Raise The Flag remains a three-start maiden and was first-up off a four-week break last time out, sent around at $20 from a tricky draw.

He kept finding the line nicely to suggest the distance holds no concerns, and with a softer draw in barrier 3 and Jake Noonan staying aboard, he looks well-placed to go one better here.

SILENT ANSWER (8) produced an eye-catching debut at Cranbourne, charging home from a five-wide position to post some sharp late sectionals over the final 200m.

Phillip Stokes’ filly has since been kept fresh with just under a month between runs and a tune-up trial to keep her ticking over. She rises only 1kg, with Lachlan Neindorf retaining the ride.

From a slightly better draw, she should be able to settle back with cover and produce another strong finish — and with the step up in trip likely to suit, she looks primed to improve sharply.

LADY VERITY (11) looks ready to fire fresh for Matt Laurie.

The I Am Invincible filly was dominant in her recent Mornington trial, cruising to a 12-length win after taking up the running early and never being challenged.

Her turn of foot was on full display in the straight, and resuming over 1100m looks ideal given she placed twice at the trip during her debut campaign. Expect her to be right in the mix first-up.

NEXT STEP IOWA (6) looks well placed to make an impact fresh.

Another from the Matt Laurie stable, the Brazen Beau mare impressed in her recent jump-out, storming down the outside to score narrowly but stylishly in the final stride.

She lost her chance with a slow start on debut at Ballarat back in June but bounced back quickly, producing a determined finish to break her maiden just two weeks later.

The 1100m first-up looks ideal, and any rain on the day would only enhance her prospects. Expect her to measure up strongly in what shapes as an open sprint.

TOO TOUGH (5) should attract plenty of support second-up.

The All Too Hard gelding caught the eye on debut at Mornington earlier this month, charging home from well back after being trapped five-wide to finish a narrow runner-up.

That performance screamed of a horse looking for further, and from the inside draw this time, he’ll be dangerous if he can find clear air in the straight. Expect another strong showing.

LEONCHROI (4) looks the safe play in a race that doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

It’s been close to a year since the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained four-year-old last tasted victory, but he’s been knocking on the door lately — finishing runner-up at Seymour two back before charging home from well back to be just over three lengths off Tikemyson at Bendigo.

Forced wide around the turn that day, he hit the line strongly in a tight finish to grab sixth, and from a softer draw here with only 2kg more to carry, he looks ready to produce a big run with fitness on his side.

SPARKLING (8) looks a genuine each-way chance with the blinkers applied for the first time.

This isn’t an overly deep race on paper, and while it’s been just over a year since her last win, she drops in grade after a solid Caulfield effort two weeks ago, where she boxed on to finish midfield, 3.6 lengths off the winner.

The Autumn Sun mare looked to need that outing, but her winter form reads well — including runs behind subsequent Group 3 winner Oh Diamond Lil.

With the tactical speed to cross and settle on the pace from a wide gate, she’s capable of giving backers a good sight and shouldn’t be overlooked for a placing.

LEG DRIVE (3) is worth sticking with after a tough win over this track and trip two weeks ago.

The Grunt gelding showed plenty of determination to drive through and get his head in front late, carrying 60kg from an awkward draw under Patrick Moloney.

That same pairing reunites here, this time from a much kinder barrier, and there’s still upside to come third-up.

In a race that maps similarly for tempo, expect him to be strong again late and right in the finish.