John Singleton will fill his Eureka slot from the candidates in Saturday night's $50,000 The Singo and it is a Queensland visitor who looks the hardest to beat.
Tims A Trooper brings strong form from the sunshine state where he has won two of his last three starts after racing competitively in Group races over the Brisbane carnival including a Queensland Sun placing and a fourth in The Rising Sun.
He draws out but is a past Group 1 winner at this circuit so has the class to overcome the barrier.
Captain Hammerhead is a progressive colt who pushed a smart one when beaten a head first up then took advantage of this same barrier when he led to win the rich Nutrien 3CG Classic Final last start at Bendigo.
He tackles older rivals but he is progressive and is ideally drawn.
Naturally Gifted draws lower than when he was beaten as a hot favourite here last week and performed well before that over the Brisbane carnival. He is a contender from this barrier.
Heza Son Of Agun cops the visitor's draw but he is good enough to feature if things go his way.
There is a touch of spring in the air at Melton on Saturday night with contenders for some upcoming features ramping up their campaigns.
Several accomplished Grand Circuit performers that will be target October's Victoria Cup step out in the evening's free for all where Act Now gets the ace draw for his return.
One of five runners in the race for the Emma Stewart camp, Act Now resumes from a spell of eight months after showing some very good form last campaign, the last outing being a second in the Vicbred Final.
He was strong in the Inter Dominion series earlier in the preparation, winning two heats and placing in the final and has been readied with two nice trials so gets every chance for a winning return.
Stablemate Hurricane Harley did some work but fought on be beaten just a head when he resumed with a second at this venue.
He draws the back row again but goes very well second-up with four wins from six attempts so looks a threat with that run under the belt.
Mach Dan had to contend with the back row when midfield in two Group 1 attempts in Brisbane but is much better drawn and won at this circuit three back so is right in this.
Better Eclipse draws out but was good in the resuming win and could go right on with the job while last year's Victoria Cup winner Rock N Roll Doo is an interesting runner on the comeback trail, looking to find his best form in time to defend his crown.
BEST BETS:
Menangle Saturday Race 1 #1 Gordons Bay @$3.20 – he will relish the ace draw and is suited up in distance.
Melton Saturday Race 5 #9 Justalittlesip @ $3.40 – drops in grade off a good return and races well second up.
