Loves to lead and dictate and should have all favours to do so here, in the small field with little tempo elsewhere.
He was a touch disappointing last start at Bendigo on a Soft track (3:0-0-0), however can improve now back onto his preferred Good surface (5:2-0-0).
Given any cheap sectionals throughout, expect him to give a good enough kick to hold on.
Grand Promenade
Was hard in the market last start at Caulfield (2 of 9), where you could make a case that he should have won after traveling wide.
He maps much better from gate 6 here and should have plenty of cover throughout on this occasion.
With the stable’s leading rider John Allen booked, I suspect that they are serious here and will show good intent.
Somerset Maugham
Is lightly raced and highly talented (14:5-2-1), which is enough to forgive the sub-par first-up performance (13 of 14) at Caulfield.
Go off last preparation, when he strung together three straight wins after a sluggish start early in that campaign also.
As above, the jockey booking of John Allen is key and the horse must be showing them plenty at home to warrant this confidence.
Vowmaster
Has the talent and finally finds a race that lacks depth, which should allow him to return to winning form.
He was good at Caulfield last start behind the smart La Mexicana, where he may have won if not being held up at a vital stage.
Draws ideally in gate 6 and should have a charmed run throughout.
Hawkesbury Tips
Aslav
Won well on debut here over 1100m when he charged through the line, which suggests the step up to 1400m now suits.
Waller/Rawiller is a rare combination these days and gifted this opportunity, the rider will be out to impress the master trainer.
I suspect they may race a touch closer in the small field and be right there to collar the leaders late.
Golden Gorge
Arrives in town for a Saturday Highway race after impressing on the bush circuit.
The trainer will be desperate to impress one of the most prominent owners in Victoria, and if he achieves the win here he can expect more horses to arrive at the stable.
From gate 5, there should be no excuses and you can expect them to receive an ideal run just forward of midfield with cover.
Sweet Deal
Was desperately unlucky last start at Rosehill in Group 2 grade, where nothing went right in the run.
Stepping up in distance to 1300m will also be in her favour, as she seems to improve over more ground.
She only just missed (0.9 lengths) last time out and given any luck on this occasion, should make amends.
Varda
Is from the shrewd Godolphin yard and looks primed first-up following three solid trial hit-outs.
She looks extremely well suited with the impressive fresh record (4:2-1-0) and should have no excuses from the good draw in barrier 7.
The stable have deep talent pools and I suspect she's been showing them plenty at home.
