THE EARLY OIL
1 Blinkers switched on DEMONSTRATE (2) at Mornington when he led throughout. Had the race under control a long way out and won with something in hand. His two previous runs, when he ran on strongly, were also sound. JALAN JALAN (6) flashed home after being held up when third to the smart Green Card at Caulfield. MOST WANTED (7) was an impressive Caulfield jumpout winner. Another first-starter, PORTMAN (8), displayed ability in Flemington jumpout. Adelaide visitor ABU DHABI (1) won in good style at Morphettville. VICIOUS (9) performed well in a jumpout. Suggested bet: Demonstrate each-way.
2 HANDSOME TYCOON (6) is consistent and fought hard to win at Sale. Two Flemington straight runs last year for a second and a third. DEL PRADO (4) stormed home to win at Bendigo. Has a good strike rate and Damien Oliver on. WRITTEN UP (2) shared the lead over the 1200m here last week but tired late in a stronger race. BISHOPS CASTLE (3) wasn’t beaten far here here when sixth to Lonrockstar, also a superior race. BENCHI PEGASUS (7) returned to form at Bendigo on a heavy track. Suggested bet: Handsome Tycoon each-way. 3 The Australian debut of former French mare ITERATION (8) was outstanding — third to classy mares Jessy Belle and Miss Rose De Lago. The 1800m should prove ideal. EVERY FAITH (2) didn’t get into the race over 1400m behind Charmed Harmony at Caulfield. Classy and is back to 1600m and her own sex. KEPT WOMAN (12) was strong winning at Bendigo and drops 6.5kg. TO BE HONEST (4) rallied hard to win at Ballarat after looking beaten to make it two in a row. DISTANT DREAMS (1) is a tough mare. Suggested bet: Iteration the win.
4 IL CAVALLO (7) was disappointing first-up but was pressured in the lead on a wet track at Ballarat. Won by 4½ lengths in his only run over this track and distance. THE THIEF (3) likes the straight 1000m when the sting is out of the track. IT’S POETS DAY (8) is speedy and held on well when third at the Valley. Winner over this track and distance. KAISER SUN (1), who also likes the straight, resumes for a new stable. TANSY (10) is talented. Suggested bet: Il Cavallo the win.
5 HERSTORY (2) looks primed to return to the winner’s circle after three runs back from a spell. Took on the boys at Caulfield last start in a stronger race and ran on nicely for second to Volcanic Ash with the smart Actuariat and Raposo third and fourth. AMARELA (6) returned to form when second over 1100m to the underrated OUR HARMONY (1) at Caulfield. LIRABIRD (3), who looks above average, was a close-up fourth in the same race. CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL (9) fought on well for fourth last week over 1600m. ALL ABOUT RHYTHM (5) has impressed in her three starts. Suggested bet: Herstory the win.
6 SUPIDO (5) has shown outstanding ability in his brief career. At his debut last year at Caulfield over 1000m, he rocketed home for second to ROUGH JUSTICE (1). He flopped next start before being spelled for a one-run campaign, an impressive win at Sandown. Won a recent trial easily on a heavy Cranbourne track. Rough Justice is always hard to beat in these races. LORD ESPRIT (6) flew home for second to Rough Justice. LOCKROY (4) wasn’t suited by the heavy track at Rosehill. Won impressively at the same track before that. Tasmanian VALIANT WARRIOR (2) has won six of eight, including one over top galloper Admiral. Suggested bet: Supido the win.
7 CHARMED HARMONY (4) used sustained speed to crush his rivals at Caulfield when he returned to 1400m. In his past six 1400m starts, he’s won four and run a second. ROYAL ISLAND (8) flopped in the heavy at Rosehill but is much better than that. 1400m should suit. PAGO ROCK (7) was well held in the Sir John Monash. Returns to 1400m, at which he has solid form. KHUTULUN (16) ran on well at Caulfield for third to Pilly’s Wish. The 1400m will suit. Suggested bet: Charmed Harmony the win.
8 Craig Williams on ACTUARIAT (12) and Oliver on ABBASSO (11) should be to the fore in this. Actuariat has a touch of class and ran on strongly for third behind Volcanic Ash at Caulfield over 1400m. Oliver was at his best when getting runs through the field to win on Abbasso at Sale. HENWOOD (4) chased hard when third to Charmed Harmony at Caulfield. Looking for 1600m. MAJESTIC DUKE (5) is aiming for a city hat-trick after all-the-way wins at the Valley and Flemington. CLANGA’S GLORY (9) won this race two years ago and ran well last start. Suggested bet: Actuariat the win.
9 SHIKARPOUR (11) was held up for a run when fourth to Falago here. Drawn out, which will help, as will a wet track and likely faster pace. BAGMAN (1) ran on well for third to Lord Durante at Caulfield. SECESSIO (6), returned to form in that race. COMMANDING TIME (5) and CLEMO (10) next best. Suggested bet: Shikarpour each-way.