BYERLEY HANDICAP
BAYOU MUSIC (1) on top. The maiden win at Bendigo two back was strong before being left with too much to do in the Taj Rossi Final behind the talented Buccleuch, running home well late. He's bred to stay and will relish the rise to 1800m, also drawing to sit in a much better spot. ARCORA (2) has placed in both runs back from a spell, third in the Taj Rossi last time after leading at a slow tempo. He's adaptable and should take beating again. ZUPPA INGLESE (7) has placed in both runs to date, sticking on well and giving the indication she'd relish this trip at Geelong last time out. Have to respect the in-form Payne yard. Wary of FRANKIE'S BOY (5) who started $2.60 favourite on debut at Newcastle, potentially not liking the heavy track there. He's by Frankel and could improve out of sight up in trip. ARABIAN PRINCE (3) is a colt by Ghaiyyath on debut who looks to have some staying ability.
Form hard to fault. Most recently 4th of 10 at this track in the LR G'cmichael on July 5 over 1600m, slow going 3.5 len behind Buccleuch carrying 56.5kg at $8.50. Before that won by 1.3 len at Bendigo 2yo Hcp June 14 over 1500m in soft going defeating Valda Warrior carrying 58kg at $2.45. Sets up well here.
Third-up today. First-up ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 8 at this track 2yo Hcp on June 21 over 1420m, 2.25 len behind Buccleuch with 56kg at $19. Second-up 3rd of 10 at this track in the LR G'cmichael on July 5 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Buccleuch with 56kg at $4.40. Big chance.
Two-year-old colt (Ghaiyyath - Princess Regina). He has four recent trials leading in today's debut. Finished sixth in a Cranbourne jump-out on June 30. Looks a capable type and can be competitive.
Most recently made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 10 at this track in the LR G'cmichael on July 5 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Buccleuch with 54.5kg at $31. The race before that got back early 7th of 12 at Pakenham Synthetic Mdn-Sw on June 23 over 1100m, 4 len behind Mafee carrying 57kg at $3.90. Solid top-three chance.
Was well-supported at debut, in a small field at Newcastle 2yo Hcp on June 28 over 1300m, in the wet; 4.5 len behind Loving with 57kg at $2.60. Could be a sharp improver.
Raced two times to date. At very big odds at debut, eased back early on 6th of 8 at Ballarat Synthetic 2yo Mdn-Sw on June 17 over 1200m, 12 len behind Lofty Thoughts with 58kg at $91. Second-up eased back early on 6th of 8 at Ballarat Synthetic Mdn-Sw on July 1 over 1500m, 10 len behind All In Vain carrying 57kg at $31. Goes up a rung or two but he is capable of running a bold race.
Raced two times to date. At debut, 2nd of 14 at Echuca Mdn-Sw on June 22 over 1200m, slow going 0.8 len behind Home Zone with 55kg at $16. Last start raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 7 at Geelong 2yo Mdn-Sw on July 11 over 1430m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Our Chief with 56kg at $2.80. Suited to this trip now.
Had two starts to date. At debut, 2nd of 7 at Bendigo 2yo Hcp on June 14 over 1500m, slow going 1.3 len behind Bayou Music carrying 56kg at $13. Second-up sat on the speed throughout before fading 8th of 10 at this track in the LR G'cmichael on July 5 over 1600m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Buccleuch carrying 54kg at $31. Needs to lift.