Fri, December 20, 2024

PIONEER RIVER (3) missed the placings when resuming recently but was not too far from the winner when fifth over 6½f at this track. Has the pace to be in a prominent position from the outset. Among the leading chances. NATION STATE (2) has been hard to follow recently, last time out finishing seventh over 5½f at Ballarat. Has the pace to be in a prominent position from the outset. Best form puts him right in this. HEURISTIC (5) didn't make an impact at his last run before going for a lay-off on August 3 finishing tenth and beaten 5 lengths over 6f at Flemington. Hasn't scored when fresh from a break but generally races well with two minor placings. Has switched to the Peter Snowden yard. One to consider. MIDNIGHT DEVIL (1) ran a better race when second up last time out, finishing fifth over 4¾f at Moonee Valley. Should be prominent from the low draw. Not to be discounted.