Sat, May 11, 2024

Group 3 winner GRAND IMPACT (7) has been out of the placings in two runs since a break, the latest when ninth, beaten 6 lengths, over 6f in the LR Hareeba Stakes at Mornington after he was in the firing line on the corner. Has further improvement to come and is a great chance to break through. Group 2 placegetter BALLROOM BELLA (12) was given a short break after hitting the frame over 6f in the G2 Sapphire Stakes at Randwick. Kept ticking over with a subsequent trial at Rosehill. One of the main contenders. ASTERO (6) got well back over 5½f at Rosehill last time and never threatened, eventually finishing 5 lengths away in eighth. Needs to be at his best to beat this field but he is up to the challenge. Group 3 placegetter TASHI (11) was well in commission last time but ran below expectations when sixth and beaten 4 lengths over 6f in the G2 Sapphire Stakes at Randwick. Good record at this journey with three wins and six minor placings from 11 starts and must be respected.