LEXUS ARCHER STAKES
A Melbourne Cup ticket is on the line here but found it very hard to split NEARCO FROD (3) and LITZDEEL (2) who head the betting. Sided with Nearco Frod who is just a winning machine, scoring in his past four by racing on speed and showing a nice turn of foot. It's simple stuff but it wins races, especially in these staying contests where they tend to go quite slowly. LITZDEEL has been very good in two runs back over shorter and looks primed third up. Does have to rise in the weights and give male counterparts a few kilos but will stay strongly and try to apply the pressure on the danger. JENNIVAMOOSE (4) and SHOCKLETZ (6) were both very good closers in a 2000m race at Caulfield last time, both are suited to this trip now and there's little between them but Jenni's run was slightly better last time. THINK GIANT (9) has been okay his past couple without threatening, better ground and a quicker tempo could suit.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming ran last of 8 in a Bm100 at Caulfield on August 15 over 1600m, on a slow track; 11 len behind Darkbonee carrying 58.5kg at $81. Second-up ran last of 15 in a Qlty at Caulfield on August 29 over 2000m, on a slow track; 11 len behind Saint George with 57kg at $151. Would have to improve sharply.
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming 4th of 10 in a Bm100 at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1800m, slow going 2 len behind First Chorus with 57kg at $11. Last start sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 15 in a Qlty at Caulfield on August 29 over 2000m, on a slow track; 1.3 len behind Saint George with 55.5kg at $8.50. Ready to peak up in trip now, go close.
On a four run winning streak. Last start favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.8 len in a Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on August 22 over 2400m on a heavy track defeating Go Daddy with 54kg at $2.40. Before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in a Bm84 at this track on August 1 over 2520m defeating Urban Outlook with 57kg at $2.50. Keeps winning and gets every chance again.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 3rd of 10 in a Bm100 at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1800m, slow going 2 len behind First Chorus carrying 55.5kg at $17. Last start settled towards the rear 3rd of 15 in a Qlty at Caulfield on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 2.5 len behind Saint George carrying 54kg at $21. Coming along well and ready to peak up in trip.
Most recently eased back early on 8th of 15 in a Qlty at Caulfield on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 5 len behind Saint George carrying 53kg at $41. Before that ran second last of 10 in a Bm100 at Caulfield Heath on August 8 over 1800m, slow going 6 len behind First Chorus carrying 54kg at $17. Looks tested in this field.
At the latest run 4th of 15 in a Qlty at Caulfield on August 29 over 2000m, slow going 3 len behind Saint George with 53kg at $10. The run before that 6th of 14 in a Bm84 at this track on August 1 over 1620m, 5 len behind Touchdown with 59kg at $9.50. Ready for this trip now and should take holding out.
Comes here off a 56-day let-up. At the latest run 5th of 10 in a Qlty at this track on July 18 over 2800m, slow going neck behind Bold Soul carrying 56kg at $12. The run before that 10th of 13 in a Qlty Hcp at this track on June 20 over 2540m, on a wet track; 6 len behind Vegas Jack with 56.5kg at $17. Rough hope on best.
Last start 4th of 10 in a Bm78 at Morphettville on August 29 over 2500m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Retourne with 62kg at $4.80. Before that 5th of 10 in a Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on August 22 over 2400m, on heavy track; 5 len behind Nearco Frod with 54kg at $81. Has a bit to find.
Racing well recently. Last start 4th of 10 in a Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on August 22 over 2400m, on heavy track; 4 len behind Nearco Frod carrying 53kg at $3.90. The run before that came from midfield; 4th of 13 in a Bm100 at this track on July 18 over 2000m, slow going 2 len behind Saint George carrying 53kg at $4.60. Going okay, a faster tempo and drier track could suit now.
Dual acceptor. Gelding back from a spell of four months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation fourth of 14 at this track in the LR Ramsden May 16 over 2800m, 1.75 len behind Zakouma with 58.5kg at $31. Previously first up; fifth of 14 at Sandown-Hillside Bm74 February 25 over 2400m, soft track; 1.75 len behind Hurry Curry carrying 55kg at $81. Inclined to risk fresh.
Most recently ran second last of 10 in a Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on August 22 over 2400m, on rain affected going; 7 len behind Nearco Frod carrying 53kg at $9.50. The run before that came from midfield; 3rd of 14 in a Bm84 at Caulfield on July 25 over 2000m, slow going 0.8 len behind Amleto carrying 56.5kg at $12. Looks tested against this line-up.