Friday night racing under lights returns to Pakenham with the Australia Stakes meeting taking centre stage, highlighted by the return of Stradbroke Handicap winner WAR MACHINE, who resumes in the feature event.
The wide expanses of the Pakenham circuit generally lend themselves to fair racing, and with a strong mix of emerging talent and proven performers engaged, the program shapes as a high-quality night of racing.
There’s also plenty of intrigue surrounding ALIANO, an exciting prospect chasing a third straight victory and showing signs he may be headed towards black-type company.
With plenty to work with across the card, it’s time to dive in.
INVINCIBLE LOVER (8) made a strong first impression when debuting at Cranbourne.
The Lloyd Kennewell-trained filly settled back in the field over 1000m before producing an eye-catching late surge, going down by just a neck.
She’ll derive plenty of benefit from the experience and the rise to 1100m looks a clear positive given the strength of her finish.
Zac Spain should be able to track the speed and give her every chance.
Selections: 8-11-4-9
I ONLY WISH (2) looks overdue for a win and gets an excellent opportunity to break through.
The Robbie Griffiths-trained mare has endured a frustrating preparation, first being badly held up over a mile here three runs back before again being denied clear running at Cranbourne.
She bounced back last start at Flemington over 1800m, chasing home Tarvue to finish 1.25 lengths second in a performance full of merit.
The step up to 2000m looks suitable and this assignment appears no tougher.
Selections: 2-3-1-4
PICK ‘N’ MIX (4) can be forgiven her first-up run.
The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained mare played up prior to the race and never looked comfortable in a stronger contest, but ear muffs have since been added to help her settle.
She looked sharp winning a recent jump-out and had won three of four races prior to resuming.
With good speed engaged, Luke Currie shouldn’t have her too far off the lead.
Selections: 4-3-9-2
FROSTNIP (4) returned in terrific order on Geelong Cup Day.
The Price and Kent Jnr-trained filly showed good speed over 1100m, fought on strongly and was only claimed late by the smart Jewel Bandit, finishing a long neck second while accounting for the in-form Job Done.
She’ll improve second-up and the slight drop back in distance assists her with the big weight.
Jye McNeil should have her right in the mix throughout.
Selections: 4-1-5-3
GLOBAL ECLIPSE (6) was unlucky not to finish closer last time out over 2100m on the Lakeside track.
The Price and Kent Jnr-trained gelding was shuffled back to the tail on straightening and never saw clear running, yet still finished off with something left in the tank.
He’s been consistent all preparation with four placings prior and now arrives rock hard fit.
Ben Melham should look to have him in a more forward position.
Selections: 6-4-1-3
ALIANO (1) continues to take the right steps and looks an exciting talent on the rise.
The Robbie Griffiths-trained gelding followed two encouraging placings with a dominant maiden win at Sale, putting the race away for a 4.25-length victory.
He backed that up last start at Sandown Hillside, letting down strongly to score again by 3.75 lengths.
The rise to 1400m looks well within his scope and Jye McNeil can use the inside draw to settle him prominently.
Selections: 1-2-10-13
The Australia Stakes shapes as an ideal resuming assignment for WAR MACHINE (1).
The Team Hayes-trained gelding boasts an excellent fresh record and returned last preparation with a Group 2 Gilgai Stakes victory.
He’s been primed for this with two jump-outs, the most recent an outstanding piece of work.
As the reigning Stradbroke Handicap winner, he’s well treated under weight-for-age conditions and from barrier 2, Jamie Kah should be able to dictate terms.
Selections: 1-2-8-5
PARADISE CITY (1) took a significant step forward second-up at Flemington.
The Moody and Coleman-trained mare was held up on straightening but once clear finished powerfully, going down by three-quarters of a length and pulling well clear of third.
She’ll strip fitter again, and while she rises in weight, Emily Pozman’s 3kg claim offsets that nicely.
With good speed expected, she should be afforded every opportunity late.
Selections: 1-5-2-7