The Mail for Saturday

Master Of Design came from near last last run

SR 1: (2) KING'S PACT - There were plenty of excuses for this promising gelding when he resumed at Rosehill on July 16, getting numerous mentions in the stewards report after he went to the line full of running for a close third over 1400m. He was able to win one of his first five starts last season but left a clear impression that he would be much better with time. That potential can come to the fore in this small field as he should avoid the traffic problems of his last start with the significant riding switch to Corey Brown, the jockey who rode him in his first win.

SR 6: (9) MASTER OF DESIGN - Few horses have made a bigger impact in Sydney this winter than this much travelled and injury-troubled six-year-old entire. His first-up win over 1100m at Rosehill on July 16 was an outstanding effort at his first start in nine months, surging to the line from well off the pace in excellent sectionals to record his fifth win from just 10 starts. He was very easy in the betting due to his gross appearance – not surprising as he did not have the benefit of a lead-up trial - and there seems little doubt his obvious scope for improvement will see him make his presence felt in this company with a decisive weight advantage over his main rivals.

SR 8: (10) ALTIUS - This imposing blueblood half-brother to Elvstroem and Haradasun has taken his time but it seems the switch to the top Sydney stable may well see him rise to the expectations held for him in his earlier campaigns in Victoria. Tracked three wide but still proved too strong for a good field over 1500m at Rosehill on July 30 when having just his second Sydney start for Chris Waller, drawing clear under 56kg for a soft win. Must be fitter and not likely to find this opposition any tougher with a handy 3kg drop in weight.

ONES TO AVOID

SR 6: (4) PRESSDAY - No doubt about his class but he can be risked over 1100m first-up judging by his past first-up sprint efforts. Has bigger goals over more suitable distances awaiting him in coming starts.

MR 6: (1) WHOBEGOTYOU - Has a sensational first up record without winning. Regularly it is in G1 races or G1 quality races and though now a 6yo surely hasn't been over-raced. Damien Oliver won't have to get too far out of his ground with most of the stayers behind him. Hasn't run a bad race when there hasn't been a problem in the event and his WFA class is better than these. If they back the mare we might get near evens.

MR 7: (6) PARABLES - Now a mare, she is very good resuming with pace on. This is the sort of race which will see numerous horses backed with the view that punters will struggle with the notion of the first uppers and classier mares with a fitness edge. The daughter of Lonhro has a paralysing burst so will just need a run in the straight to be a major factor.

ONES TO AVOID

MR 4: (1) SATIN SHOES - Likely to come up short for this but has a few factors to overcome. The first is the new direction for the first time and while she may have had practice at home, there is nothing like the real thing. She also meets some exciting fillies, one of which has already beaten her home in the Slipper. Sydney fillies rarely contest this with races at home to run in and carrying the penalty is another thing to consider.

EAGLE FARM - tips by Wayne Bristow

BR 5: (7) SIMMERING - Looks to have come very solid this campaign. Showing his best now out beyond the 2000m and while there will be no price here, he does look too good for a field which isn't exactly thriving at present. Only goes up 1.5kg for back to back wins and perhaps he might end up a light weight chance in coming features like the Newcastle Cup or Metropolitan.

BR 6: (8) SHAMARDASHING - Breeding alone suggests he has been desperate for this trip. Steps into this race carrying a small impost and a safe barrier draw to save ground as long as he doesn't get crowded early. Was well ridden last time and a similar ride will give him every chance to charge home again on the bigger track.

ONES TO AVOID

BR 3: (1) AQUATORIAL - Sure to be well fancied off two strong wins but has some hurdles this run. After nearly a month off, comes back in trip and up slightly in weight. He meets several runners on the improve and in a competitive race won't be the best of value.

MORPHETTVILLE PARKS - tips by Jason Hickson

AR 4: (4) HAVELOCK EXPRESS - $80,000 yearling who made his debut in a stronger race at Caulfield when eighth behind Hot Spin. Didn't have a lot of luck but beaten less than three lengths. Also engaged at Geelong on Friday but if saved for this looks well placed at the trip and with the claim and is worth following.

AR 6: (4) OBSIDIAN DRAGON - Speedy mare who gave a great sight in the Lightning Stakes, holding on for third again a couple of smart types. Comes back in grade here, drops in weight, fitter and will cross and take catching over the short trip.

ONES TO AVOID

AR 1: (2) TEXAN WARNEY - Had his birthday last weekend against a very moderate bunch, to be kind. Sat back, saved ground, shot away against terrible field. The fourth placed horse in that race is a budding hurdler. This weekend Texan Warney rises in grade, rises in distance and weight to 59.5kg, essentially carrying topweight after Gotta Keep Cool claims away from him. All points to a far tougher assignment at lower odds.