SandownWed, July 17, 2024

I AM THE EMPIRE (5) did very well to fill a minor placing when resuming at Bendigo but raced below expectations last time over 1m1f at Sandown-Hillside, finishing tenth and beaten 4.5 lengths. Suitably placed so anticipating a big run this time. REBADGE (6) missed the placings two starts back then ran a better race when he made late ground and finished 0.8 lengths away in fifth last time out over 1m1/2f at Geelong. Billy Egan gets the best out of this five-year-old gelding. Steps up a level but he is capable of running a bold race. LODBROK (9) improved last time out, finishing 4.5 lengths from the winner in second at the end of 1m2f at Cranbourne. Must raise the bar but another big run will not surprise. SHULTZY (1) knuckled down strongly to get within 1.3 lengths of the winner in second last start over 1m2f at Caulfield. Strong record with Luke Williams in the irons, including a win. Worth including in calculations.