Sat, August 10, 2024

Group 2 placegetter ALDER (10) was out of the money when resuming from a lay-off last start over 1m1/2f at Caulfield, beaten 4.5 lengths. Stepping up a level this time but with added fitness he is one of the key runners. MATHEW (11) finished tenth two runs back at Sandown-Hillside then improved last time out to score by a neck over 1m1f at Sandown-Hillside. Steps up a level but he is worth serious consideration. Group 3 winner KING MAGNUS (3) is struggling to break through but hasn't been far away, the latest effort a fifth, beaten 2 lengths, over 1m2f at Flemington. Has been knocking on the door and he can make his presence felt. Group 1 winner SMOKIN' ROMANS (2) ran a better race last start to finish a close second over 1m2f at Flemington after missing the placings at the previous appearance. Finds a nice race and can play a big role again.