The powerhouse Emma Stewart stable takes just a single runner to Mildura but he looks the horse to beat in the $60,000 Mildura Pacing Cup Final.
He is Cant Top This and he has been racing in great heart, extending his winning run to three when he raced three wide without cover but proved too strong in his heat on Tuesday.
That made it two wins from and many starts at the circuit and distance.
He has to overcome the second row draw but with even luck will be hard to stop.
Serg Blanco looks close to a win after finishing runner up at his last two starts, coming from the second row two back at Melton before finishing 1.8m away in his heat.
The favourable draw gives him every chance to go one better.
Curly James continues to race well with a string of placings, the last few when off the back row including his second in the Riverina Championships Final two back at Wagga. He looks a player again.
Tay Tay has a tricky draw but she is a good mare who came from a similar barrier in winning her heat. She deserves respect as does Helluva who is consistent and worked when runner up to Cant Top This in his heat.
In the west last week's beaten Nullarbor favourite Magnificent Storm looks well placed to gain some redemption in the Narrogin Cup on Saturday night.
He was odds on in his quest for a big payday in the Nullarbor but had to settle for seventh after he was held up for a clear run.
He was very good two back when he overcame a wider barrier to score well at Gloucester Park and looks a class above these rivals so should be too good.
Valentines Brook has been runner up in his last two outings at Gloucester Park, working last time but sticking on when finishing 3 metres from the winner. With even luck from the inside of the second row he can make an impact.
Hampton Banner has been out the money since recording a free-for-all second at Gloucester Park last month. He possesses early speed so can play a role from this barrier.
BEST BETS:
Mildura Saturday Race 6 #9 Sahara Sirocco @ $2.60 – worked hard last start and the Sydney form prior was sound. This looks a good race for him.
Menangle Saturday Race 7 #2 Whereyabinboppin @ $3.30 – put the writing on the wall when placed last start and gets his chance from the low draw.
