OCEAN CHIEF BIDDING FOR A HAT TRICK TONIGHT

Strong Lady runs at Kyneton and Zagusto and Ocean Chief bidding for a hat trick are our night time representatives on Thursday.

Strong Lady runs in race three, the Maiden Plate over 1850 metres and Jordan Childs riding and Mike suggests the step up in trip will suit the daughter of Glass Harmonium.

“Fortunately the scratchings have got her a start, the track has come up soft and I think she’s out to her right distance,” Mike said.

“She’s got a few things in her favour and has finally drawn a decent barrier which I would like to think we can take advantage of.

“She’s nice and fit and has done well since her last start. There’s a little bit of form in the race but she does get her chance to run well today so I’m looking to an improved effort from her.”

Zagusto starts a new campaign in race two at Pakenham, the Maiden Plate over 1200 metres with Jordan Childs aboard.

“He’s had a long break after placing at his last two starts but he’s had two jump outs to have him ready,” Mike said.

“He’s carrying good condition, is nice and bright and I’ve taken the ear muffs off him and we’ll try and ride him forward if he can.

“Whatever he does there tonight I’m expecting him to improve on but I still expect him to run well and I will not be surprised to see him pull out a big effort fresh.”

Ocean Chief (pictured) bids for a hat trick of wins in race seven, the benchmark 64 handicap over 1600 metres.

“He’s drawn out a bit but it’s a long run down the back so Jordan should be able to get the lead without having to do too much work,” Mike said.

“He’s won on the track and he’s fit and well. It would be nice to make it three on end and he’s certainly capable of it and he will be hard to beat.”