Listed TQCSI Balaklava Cup, $107,250, 1600m
The inform Second Slip (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) is capable of adding a third consecutive victory to his resume despite drawing the far outside, barrier 16.
Trained by Will Clarken, Second Slip was a dominant winner of the Listed Leon Macdonald S. at Morphettville on August 28 and before that he was victorious in a competitive BM78 H. at Caulfield over 1100 metres.
The consistent 5-year-old is yet to be tested over 1600 metres. However, if Todd Pannell can find cover from the awkward draw expect Second Slip to prove strong through the line.
Second Slip (NZ)
Sign Of Ussuri (Fastnet Rock) presents as one of the leading contenders in this feature event after producing two strong runs this campaign.
The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained gelding looks well-placed third-up after putting a win on the board over 1600 metres at this point of his last campaign.
The 5-year-old has secured the services of South African Group 1-winning hoop Callan Murray and maps to get a lovely run in transit from barrier five.
Classy gelding Ritratto (Fiorente {Ire}) held ground over the concluding stages to finish 2.5l second behind Second Slip last start in the Listed Leon Macdonald S.
The Mick Huxtable-trained gelding will meet Second Slip 2.5kgs better off at the weights this time around and boasts five top-two finishes from six attempts at this distance.
So, watch for Ritratto late if Jessica Eaton can offset his wide gate, barrier 14.
The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Winning Partner (Dawn Approach {Ire}) looks to be a key winning chance after three solid showings in Victoria behind capable gallopers Groundswell (Fastnet Rock), Viral (Al Maher) and Don’t Doubt Dory (Fiorente {Ire}) respectively.
High-rating galloper Sesar (Sebring) shouldn't be ruled out after running on strongly through the line when making his debut for new trainer Dean Saxon in the Listed Leon Macdonald S.
The 2018 G2 Roman Consul S. winner was a high-class galloper in his 2 and 3-year-old seasons, claiming the scalps of Lean Mean Machine in the G3 Ken Russell S. before finishing 2.1l fourth behind The Autumn Sun in the G1 JJ Atkins S.
However, the 6-year-old hasn’t posted a win since knocking off Boss Lane (Dubawi {Ire}) and Jungle Edge (Dubawi {Ire}) in the 1200 metre Winter Dash at Randwick in June 2019.
