BOXING DAY RUNNERS AT CAULFIELD

We have three runners at Caulfield on Boxing Day with Mike electing to save Alburq for a future race at Flemington.

Star Of Eden is the first to go when she runs in race five over 1600 metres with Jordan Childs in the saddle and Mike is looking for the daughter of Wandjina to improve.

“She was a little bit disappointing first-up but she had made good improvement since,” Mike said.

“She’s certainly tightened up and is fitter for today. The wide draw is a little tricky and she will need a bit of luck, there looks to be a few in it likely to go forward but we’ll leave it up to Jordan.

“With the natural improvement and a bit of luck in the run I’d say she’s an each-way chance in what appears to be a pretty even mares race.”

Nerve Not Verve runs in the next race over 2000 metres with Michael Dee aboard and drawn barrier one.

“It’s come up a strong race for this benchmark level in my opinion,” Mike said.

“Against that, she’s taken good improvement from her first-up run at Pakenham and he work since has pleased me.

“She might be half a run away from being at her peak but off the minimum weight and from the favourable draw I can see her running well in what does appear to be a strong race.”

Hang Man (pictured) rounds out the day in race seven, the Lord Stakes at Listed level over 1700 metres with Damien Oliver to ride from barrier 10 in the 11-strong field.

“I’m hoping Damien in the saddle can switch him on, he disappointed me last start after I expected him to run better however, he looks terrific and his work has been good,” Mike said.

“He likes Caulfield and if he brings his best form then he’s definitely in the race with a winning chance and I’m hoping Ollie can coax it out of him.”