Nashashuk set for first win

– John Size’s Nashashuk gets the ideal opportunity to break through for his first win on career start number six in the Ebenezer School & Home For The Visually Impaired 120th Anniversary Cup at Happy Valley today.

This is the feature event on the card and it is safe to say that is has attracted a rather moderate Class Four field.

Bearing that in mind, it does look like Nashashuk’s chance.

This son of Northern Meteor was a touch unlucky on his last outing when caught in traffic in the early stages before being hampered 150m from the line. Former champion jockey Zac Purton takes over the reins on this occasion and from gate one he should be able to maintain the box seat, and that could prove critical considering Nashashuk’s last few efforts.

The return to Happy Valley could be a good thing for Royale Elegance who managed to hit the frame over 1200m at this track this season and with Joao Moreira on board will no doubt attract plenty of attention. There was an excuse for his last performance when he was found to have blood in the trachea and could easily bounce back.

There was an excuse for Golden Achiever when he last competed when he was checked around 200m from home and clearly should have finished closer. It has taken a while for him to his straps but looks ready now. The barrier will make it very difficult for Never Better, but he remains in good form and must be include in all multiple bets.

Purton has another solid chance in the sixth race with Paul O’Sullivan’s Harrier Jet, who is still a HK maiden after 14 local starts.

The booking of Purton and once again a favourable draw give Harrier Jet a sound opportunity in a thin race for chances.

Douglas Whyte appears to have the main danger with Healthy Luck who takes in rise in grade following three sound performances.

The last race on the card is the best in terms of quality and John Size’s Premiere bids to make it his fourth win in succession.