Moonee ValleyFri, October 25, 2024

HARPALEE (6) is yet to fill a placing in two runs since resuming from a lay-off, the latest when sixth over 5f at Sandown-Hillside after she got a long way back. Should be peaking now and is worth following up. BLUE STRATUM (1) showed good early dash before weakening to be beaten 3.5 lengths into seventh over 5f at Sandown-Hillside last time out. Expected to measure up here. Worth another try. CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT (5) was in contention on the corner and finished third last time over 5f at Sandown-Hillside, beaten 0.6 lengths. Placed to advantage and can run a bold race. COUPLES RETREAT (11) saluted two runs ago then turned in a decent effort last time out when third over 5½f at Warwick Farm, beaten 1.5 lengths. Likely improver with top-three prospects.