Stratacus has been working through the grades well of late and chases a hat-trick of wins in the Carlton Mid Gold Cup 5/9- Benchmark 65 Handicap at Wyong.
Stepping up to the mile for the first time, Stratacus resumed in good order when third at Kembla Grange before going on to win his next two starts.
The Gary Portelli-trained runner did his best work the final 50m last start indicating he will appreciate the step up to 1600m, likely to go forward from barrier 2.
Apprentice jockey Brodie Loy goes on for the first time and will claim a much needed 2kg off the allotted 58.5kg.
The son of Stratum has improved with every run this campaign and looks very well placed to continue his winning run today.
L’academie De Joie returned to winning form here last start when working home strongly to salute over the mile. A repeat of that effort should see him right around the mark again and he looks the main danger.
Gets a much needed 3kg claim with Jake Pracey-Holmes maintaining the ride and despite not winning often, is likely to be fighting out the finish of this one.
Bonus Spin worked home strongly to finish a close second here last start and only has to repeat that level of performance here to be right around the mark again.
Rates well on best form and leading jockey Tommy Berry goes on for the first time.
Has failed to win a race in some 369 days now which is a slight concern but is proven over the trip and meets L’academie De Joie better at the weights, who only just got past him last start.
These look the main chances of the race with Shadow Me the best of the rest, having won a similar race at Gosford two back.
Not without hope against these and would not be surprised to see the Grant Allard-trained runner somewhere in the finish.
