G'day Mav,

Small fields at EF today...which is not ideal if you want a big price, but we'll manage . No rain here for ages, so the track should be fine.

Race 1 - Pathetic one to start on. I've settled on Kanetoshi Millions. His figures are more consistent than most of these and altho he hasn't got the perceived 'brilliance' of some of his opposition, i'm just playing the odds. Chut isn't one you'd put $1 on and be confident, but he may just go better the Brisbane way of going and might be worth some sort of look in this race. Nediyms Image is a nice horse when right too, has won well up north a few times too, which puts him in with some sort of chance here.

Race 2 - Don't mind Elegant Roi here. Was a top win last time and altho on face value the 1600m seems to be a worry, i think he'll be fine if Taylor can get him an OK run near the lead. Roman Squire is the sort of horse i normally jump for in these races - the lightly raced one who gets back and runs on (and is normally very erratic for some reason). I just think the speed might be dubious here and for that reason he might be too far back. Having said that, good ones can beat it....but hes too short for me at this point. Succeeding won well last time but that was mares class. She has topweight and is, for mine, meeting a better field here. Can run past some of these at the death, but i doubt can win.

Race 3 - Good even race. I've settled on Monashee Knight at odds here. The last 2 runs have been very good and the breed are going extra well at present. Seamer should be able to give him a good enough sit from the alley....he'll do me. Stolit will improve on the first run (which was excellent) giving him a top chance of making it 2 wins from 2. The alley is a problem, but just needs some luck to feature. Covet Gold has some great form, but is just too short for me to want to get on. Having said that, you can't knock a horse too much who has won 2 from 2. The 4 alley and 3 off for Plumb (who rides well) just add icing to the cake.

Race 4 - I like 2 at odds here. My Best Tycoon and Renouf. My Best Tycoon, i'd say, will appreciate the extra journey of todays event. His last few have been around 1000-1100 and he may just have lost some of the zip required to win those events. Up to the 1200m and given some good speed in this race, i think he can run well. Renouf will be on pace and frequently improves a lot on his 1st up runs. Given that the last run was OK, and that Stewart can just jump straight to the front, he is worth a show. I also note there has been good money in early markets for him. General Patton was a good run last time behind Naval Seal and with some speed on here, and with the longer straight, he can worry some of these at the end.

Race 5 - Don't really care, to be honest. Its between Mitanni and Bikkie Tin Blues obviously, but its not a betting event. Maybe Mitanni because he'll be on the pace, but BTB is the better stayer. Adavale for 3rd.

Race 6 - King of Trumps, Lady of Courage, Frisco's Vision. Too hard.

Race 7 - Facing The Breeze is the one i like here. The wide alley is a problem, given that a lot of these like to go forward, but i'm just hoping for a reasonable alley. If she gets in, i think she wins. Her first start this track and distance was fantastic and if she returns to anything like that....well good luck to her opposition. Fleeting Echo should be forgiven the last run and assessed on the previous effort at the Sunny Coast. There was good money at Doomben last time and with the 3 off here, don't leave him out. Private Frisco for 3rd who won very well last time at the coast, and has been very consistent of late.

Race 8 - Well, you're a brave man Mav....taking on Rasmussen. He won in great fashion last time and given that was only his 3rd start there is still improvement there. With the huge amount of speed he showed last time, i don't think any of these can keep up (or would really want to). Very short, but i wouldn't be seen backing anything to beat him. Socialist is a nice horse, always gets back but can produce a great finishing burst. Doubt he can turn the tables, but can account for the rest of em. Thats Better is also a nice horse when right and is a place chance.

Good luck everyone

Sven