Hemero ahead of handicapper

Ken Nicol

Mike Robinson-trained Hemero is a progressive-looking filly, and ran miles above her previous form when a close up fifth in the Grade 3 Diana Stakes last time.

Her rating could not be adjusted as she finished unplaced, and as a result looks extremely well-weighted with 58.5kg dropping to FM 80 level over 1600m at Kenilworth tomorrow.

Both her wins have come over this course and distance, and with a nice inside draw everything looks in her favour and she is worth a decent bet.

The main and probably only danger is undoubtedly sole three-year-old Strawberry Wine.

This Glen Kotzen-trained Judpot filly is yet to finish unplaced, and did well to get within 2.50-lengths of undefeated Front And Centre last time, even if the margin flatters her somewhat.

Elsewhere the card is mainly made up of maiden plates full of first timers, which automatically makes things tricky.

One who makes Eachway appeal in the handicaps is another Kotzen-trained runner Captain’s Treasure in a FM 68 Handicap over 1000m in Race 7.

This lightly raced four-year-old is a speedy type, but has taken time to come to hand after more than a year off.

She kept on for fourth last time behind Sugerpova though, and holds four of her eight rivals here on that effort.