Sat, April 20, 2024

ROCKRIBBED (7) was resuming from a lay-off of eight months last start when a solid third over this course and distance. Winning chance. Group 3 placegetter MILLANE (4) turned in a eye-catching run last start over 6f at this track, winding up hard from well back on straightening to finish a close second. Has a win and three minor placings from five starts at this track and distance. Expected to be in the finish. XPRESSO (11) was well fancied when resuming last start and proved too strong, scoring by a neck over 5½f at Ipswich. Will be better for that latest run and is among the winning hopes again. Group 3 winner RUSSIAN ALLIANCE (8) finished third last time over 5½f at Gold Coast when resuming from a lay-off, beaten 3.5 lengths. Ideally placed and is sure to take a ton of beating.