Affleck - A Class Above

The Laurie Laxon trained Affleck will be stretched beyond 1200m for the first time this evening, with his winning run expected to continue in the seventh event.

Returning in fine fettle last start, the son of Battle Paint sent out a fierce warning to his rivals when saluting easily at his first start as a three-year-old.

Following up on his dominant victory in the Juvenile Championship, Affleck appeared to do it easily in the small field.

Jumping away nicely to settle just off the speed, Affleck travelled strongly and when asked to extend, he quickly drew clear of his rivals.

Eased down over the concluding stages, Affleck saluted by just over a length, with more up his sleeve.

Although some query as to whether he can be as brilliant over 1400m, Affleck has given all the right indications to this point.

On breeding, Affleck should handle it with ease and given how well he travels, it could see him improve further — a major concern for his rivals.

Stablemate Kiwi Karma remains the only galloper to defeat Affleck in his five career starts and is notably yet to make her return this season.

Under the set-weight conditions of the race, Affleck selects himself as he is extremely well placed on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

Using the official handicap ratings, Affleck would be required to concede nine kilograms to his nearest rival under regular handicap conditions — emphasising his distinct class edge.

Drawn ideally on the inside, regular rider Danny Beasley is likely to adopt a forward position and could lead if no other jockey is willing to take it up.

The Steven Burridge trained Hermano Menor appears capable of leading Affleck, when analysing average early speeds — a likely scenario given Affleck has never led previously.

Affleck possesses an explosive turn of foot and it remains very hard to see him being rundown as the majority of the field will be conceding him a start.

At this stage he remains the dominant galloper of his generation and sets a lofty standard for his rivals.

Though a long way from replicating the feats of War Affair, Affleck is ticking all the right boxes to this point.

The Patrick Shaw trained Rock Esprit has been racing in good order of late and appears Affleck's main danger.

A handy second placing behind Hughsy last start, the son of Bel Esprit has displayed good improvement in recent times and is already proven at the trip.

Though only the sole victory from 10 career starts, his career best form sets him clear of the rest of the pack.

From the awkward draw, Barend Vorster is expected to roll forward and settle just off the speed.

Whether he can then match motors with Affleck, obviously remains to be seen, although Rock Esprit does look to have a firm grip over second place.

Last start winner Know Each Other has to raise the bar significantly for this affair, however he is only lightly raced and is another proven at the trip.

His maiden victory at this course and distance held plenty of merit and he appears open to further improvement.

Not seen since late August, Know Each Other was given a soft trial in the lead up and cannot be taken lightly.

The Hideyuki Takaoka trained Higher Soul went to the paddock in great order and while conceding weight all round here, she still holds minor claims.

In six career starts, she has only missed the money once and has placed at both previous attempts fresh.

From the rails draw, she should settle just off the speed and can work her way into the multiples.

Good luck and happy punting.