FLT LT PETER ARMYTAGE HANDICAP
Hard to go past the progressive ZAKOUMA (15) who has won his past three impressively. He was far too good accounting for a BM84 field over this route last time out and drops 1kg off that 2.75 length romp. This is no doubt harder but he just keeps raising the bar and profiles as a horse who can put his hand up as a lightweight Caulfield Cup chance if he wins again today. PLYMOUTH (4) never got a crack at them in the G3 Easter Cup last time - wipe that run. His form prior was rock solid and 2000m is his sweet spot. TOO DARN DISCREET (6) had just been battling but improved to 2000m last time in a real sprint home to win at Ballarat. She might be able to go on with it now. BRING FORTH (13) is progressive off two good wins. He'll carry 51kg after the claim and be up on speed. SUN GIFT (11) struggled in Sydney last time, her form prior reads well and she can be hitting the line.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 11th of 13 at this track Hcp on March 28 over 1600m, slow going 6 len behind Al Duca with 60kg at $15. Second-up 7th of 13 at Caulfield in the LR Anniv Vase on April 11 over 1600m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Al Duca carrying 57.5kg at $14. Can't entertain on that form.
Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation 11th of 16 at Pakenham in the LR Pakenham Cup December 13 over 2500m, 7 len behind Taramansour with 60kg at $31. First up last campaign second last of 8 at Moonee Valley Bm100 August 9 over 2040m, soft track; 4.5 len behind Relentless Voyager carrying 59kg at $20. Will improve on whatever he does in this.
Second-up. First-up after four months 11th of 13 at Caulfield in the LR Anniv Vase on April 11 over 1600m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Al Duca with 56.5kg at $51. Previously second-up 3rd of 14 at Randwick in the G3 King Town on September 20 over 2000m, 4 len behind Birdman with 56kg at $51. Give another one.
At the latest run 12th of 14 at Caulfield in the G3 Easter Cup on April 4 over 2000m, 4.5 len behind Ambassadorial carrying 57.5kg at $7. Before that made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 14 at Albury in the LR Albury Cup on March 20 over 2000m, slow going 1.75 len behind Bianco Vilano carrying 56.5kg at $4.60. No luck last time, he can bounce back.
Most recently ran last of 14 at Caulfield in the G3 Easter Cup on April 4 over 2000m, 6 len behind Ambassadorial with 57.5kg at $14. The start before that eased back early on 8th of 10 at Caulfield in the G2 Sunline Stks on March 21 over 1600m, 5 len behind Treasurethe Moment with 57kg at $21. Needs to find.
Last start won by a nose at Ballarat Country Oaks April 3 over 2000m defeating Jennilala carrying 58kg at $4.20. The run before that ran last of 10 at Caulfield in the G2 Sunline Stks on March 21 over 1600m, 6 len behind Treasurethe Moment carrying 57kg at $13. Dashed best last time, she can go on with it.
Second-up. First-up after four months 7th of 13 at this track Hcp on March 28 over 1600m, slow going 4 len behind Al Duca carrying 57kg at $61. Previously second-up came from midfield; 2nd of 16 at Caulfield in the G3 Naturalism on September 20 over 2000m, 3.5 len behind Half Yours carrying 56kg at $12. Fitter, he can improve quickly.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 3rd of 10 at this track in the G2 Blamey on February 28 over 1600m, 2 len behind Birdman with 55kg at $101. Last start second last of 12 at this track in the G1 Aust Cup on March 28 over 2000m, on a slow track; 14 len behind Light Infantry Man with 59kg at $31. Much easier here but still prefer over further.
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran last of 13 at this track Hcp on March 28 over 1600m, slow going 9 len behind Al Duca carrying 52kg at $151. Second run from a spell ran last of 12 at Terang Hcp on April 12 over 2150m, in the wet; 25 len behind Alder with 59kg at $31. Out of his depth.
At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 11 at Stawell Hcp on April 5 over 2000m, 5 len behind Wymark carrying 57kg at $4. The run before that raced on the speed throughout before fading second last of 10 at Caulfield in the G2 Sunline Stks on March 21 over 1600m, 6 len behind Treasurethe Moment with 57kg at $61. Out of her depth.
Comes off a 35 day let-up. Most recently 12th of 14 at Rosehill in the G3 Epona on March 21 over 1900m, slow going 7 len behind Machine Gun Gracie carrying 55kg at $13. Before that 2nd of 7 at Caulfield in the LR Vic Cup on February 21 over 2000m, 0.8 len behind Magnaspin with 54kg at $6. Can bounce back.
Last start second last of 12 at Terang Hcp on April 12 over 2150m, on rain affected going; 24 len behind Alder with 56.5kg at $4.40. The start before that held ground to the line 3rd of 7 at Caulfield Bm84 on March 14 over 2000m, neck behind Stylish Secret with 57.5kg at $3.10. Can forgive last start, each way.
Form hard to fault. At the latest run won by 0.5 len at Caulfield Bm74 April 11 over 2000m defeating Aura with 58.5kg at $4.80. The run before that won by 4.5 len at Morphettville Parks Bm78 March 21 over 2294m defeating Burning Bright carrying 57.5kg at $3. Progressive and gets in light, respecting.
Most recently 6th of 12 at this track Bm84 on March 28 over 2000m, on a wet track; 4 len behind Zakouma carrying 56kg at $51. The run before that came home strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 7 at Caulfield Bm84 on March 14 over 2000m, 3 len behind Stylish Secret with 56.5kg at $31. Not doing enough to threaten the top few today.
On a three run winning streak. At the latest run favourite; was well back until straightening; raced back then made ground from the turn; won by 2.75 len at this track Bm84 March 28 over 2000m on a heavy track defeating Alder carrying 54kg at $2.30. The start before that favourite; won by 2.5 len at Sandown-Hillside Bm70 Hcp March 11 over 1800m defeating Pantile Warrior with 58.5kg at $2.40. Very progressive and he can just keep on winning.