Track: Soft Weather: Fine

Tough race where many of these are loaded with upside. English Riviera was nothing short of impressive winning by 10 lengths on return and brings in some strong ratings. Hell Hound will need luck from the draw but is well over the odds in early markets having had a super last prep and has jumped out well. Ojai brings in the right form and should also be in the mix in what is a very competitive race.

1. Queen Of The Ball (5)

Can win this on best form. Should land on the bunny and Blake Shinn is an ideal booking. Just doesn’t want the track too wet.

2. See You In Heaven (9)

Hard to knock and has won some handy races as well as contested against some quality types. This is a tricky race and the map is a bit sticky but it certainly has the ability to take this out.

3. Miss Roseiano (2)

Has been racing well and brings in some strong form. Barrier 2 suits and Zahra takes the steer, hard to knock.

4. In Secret (8)

May not be running here but demands huge respect if it does. Luckless last run and probably should have won the race. In Secret brings in a strong profile and excellent ratings. Hard to beat in this.

5. Get In The Spirit (7)

Solid debut win before being put on ice. Harder here but have to respect the placement and upside. Keep an eye on any market moves.

6. Ojai (10)

Has some good form for this race. Slightly awkward draw for Williams to navigate but Ojai has a good turn of foot and can pounce on these late.

7. Ghaanati (1)

A bit green last start and probably should have gone close to winning. I’m not sure barrier 1 suits but it has plenty of upside and should be hard to hold out.

8. Hell Hound (19)

Extremely good last prep on both heavy and dry ground. Ran fast time on one of its starts and comes from an astute camp. Chance in an open race.

9. Bubble Palace (6)

Top pick here. Should plonk right on the speed and has been doing things well thus far. Coffey takes the steer and it just needs to handle the straight to be going close.

10. Clarity (3)

Prefer others.

11. Nanagui (17)

Won well last start. Now needs to find more with the rise in grade but a capable type. Top 4 contender.

12. English Riviera (4)

Enormous on return and the form around Lofty Strike last prep reads super. The win rated outstandingly and it maps for a beautiful run in transit from the draw. Overall this is a wide open race but I have English Riviera on top with Bubble Palace.

13. Kin (15)

Prefer others.

14. Wee Nessy (12)

Has some good upside and Jamie Kah takes the steer. Up from breaking the maiden is the query but has the talent and can give this a shake.

15. Berry Bubbly (14)

Prefer others.

16. She’s Pretty Rich (13)

Good upside but prefer in something easier.

17. Typhoon Titmus (11)

This looks too tough.

18. C’est Magique (18)

Prefer others.

19. Star Humma (16)

Can’t have.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
12 English Riviera & 9 Bubble Palace	6 Ojai	7 Ghaanati
6 Ojai	9 Bubble Palace	6 Ojai
8 Hell Hound	2 See You In Heaven	9 Bubble Palace
	7 Ghaanati	8 Hell Hound

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Nanagui
2nd	18 C’est Magique	0.75 length
3rd	17 Typhoon Titmus	0.95 length
4th	12 English Riviera	1.05 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 1. Queen Of The Ball, 4. In Secret, 13. Kin.