CoonabarabranSun, October 27, 2024

DANCES WITH HOOVES (5) was allowed to balance up well back from a wide alley last start then wound up strongly for an eye-catching third over 6¾f at Newcastle. Will prove tough to stop. SMOOTH ESPRIT (2) finished out of the money two starts back then was beaten 5.5 lengths when fifth in a 1m contest at Coonamble two weeks ago. Likely improver with strong prospects. MACLEAY (3) was out of the money two runs back then again missed the frame last start when he was never in contention over 7f at Dubbo, beaten 4.5 lengths into eighth. This looks a sterner test than last time but on his best form he is good enough to take this out. SATAY CHICKEN (8) was comfortably accounted for when tenth last time out over 1m at Doomben, beaten 5.5 lengths, after a win at Eagle Farm at the previous outing. Expect a better run this time.