Netherby Hall can bounce back to best

A well-beaten third last time when sent off favourite, Stephanie Miller-trained six-time winner Netherby Hall could bounce back at Flamingo Park today when carrying a low weight in Race 6, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m.

Mathew Thackeray takes over from Ryan Munger who was aboard in the gelding’s last four runs, which yielded two wins, a second and a third.

In his most recent win he carried 52.5kg and scored decisively over 2200m in a 13-strong Pinnacle Stakes.

Then, carrying 60kg, he finished third out of 13 in a MR 72 Handicap over 1800m. Now, with 53.5kg, the seven-year-old has a bright chance to complete a Pinnacle Stakes double.

Despite patchy form, do not rule out younger stablemate Bongo Dance with Munger aboard.

Munger knows what is required as he has twice partnered the four-year-old to victory over 1600m – including in the Kimberley Classic. If in the mood, he could make his presence felt.

Also to be respected is Muzi Yeni’s mount First Sea Lord out of Sarel von Willingh Smit’s yard. This seven-time winner has fared creditably in Pinnacle contests – finishing second over 1800m and then twice fifth over 2200m and 1600m in big fields. With a good inside draw for a change, he could be involved.

Next best are Cutting Edge and Two Gunsy.

Yeni could get his fans off to a profitable start in Race 1 on Corrie Lensley-trained Value At Risk in a 1000m Maiden Plate. The four-year-old was second over 1000m in his penultimate outing and then third over 1300m. The gelding will be tough to beat this time when reverting to 1000m.