A BIG DAY AT HOME

A big day at home for us today with six runners, disappointing that Roch ’N’ Horse has to miss the feature Lightning Stakes however, she lives to fight again next Saturday.

So You See gets us started in the first race over 1600 metres with Jye McNeil aboard.

“I can’t fault her, she’s bounced back from her little setback, her work has been solid without being spectacular,” Mike said.

“She looks great and now it’s up to her but I’m confident she can run well today in a stronger race but with no weight on her back.”

Memphis (pictured) kicks off a new preparation in race four over 2000 metres with Laura Lafferty to ride.

“She’s come back in good order and I do think she will be suited by the trip today,” Mike said.

“I think she’s improved a lot this second time around in Australia and she’s shown me that on the track where she’s sharper.

“It’s a test I accept but I’m pretty sure she will run well today and she’s certainly an interesting runner.”

Elkington Road is in the sixth race, the C S Hayes Stakes over 1400m and Jamie Mott riding.

"He's done well leading into this and is in good order," Mike said. "It's a tough test but I think he's definitely up to this level and I'd like to think he's an Australian Guineas horse.

"The low barrier will help and I'm looking forward to getting him hoing. He will improve on today but I am expecting him to be very competitive."

Bankers Choice and Not An Option both contest race eight over 1400 metres.

John Allen partners Bankers Choice and Mike does not think he is too badly off at the weights even with topweight.

“He’s the strongest he’s looked since we’ve had him and I’m happy with him. He’s been sharper on the track and I do think this preparation we will see what he is capable of.

“Whatever he does today he will improve on but I am expecting him to run a big race and a win will not surprise me at all.”

Patrick Moloney partners Not An Option from the outside barrier. “The draw is disappointing and it’s likely he will have to go back,” Mike said.

“He’s going terrific and I’m really happy with him. If Patrick can find the right trail and can find some cover then the horse is certainly capable of running a big race, it all depends on luck but the horse is particularly well.”

The in-form Jungle Jim completes our day in race nine down the straight 1200 metres with Daniel Stackhouse riding to replace Jordan Childs who has to miss today’s meeting.

He’s racing in terrific form with two Flemington wins from his last three starts,” Mike said.

“Having a look at the speed map he might have a bit of company through the first half of the race which will make things awkward but the horse is in great order, he’s down a kilo on last start and while he’s up in grade he’s in such good form I’m sure he will be in it for a long way.”