Hucklebuck will be out to stamp his Australian Guineas claims in the C.S Hayes Stakes at Flemington this weekend.
Hucklebuck showed himself back as well as ever winning in Adelaide last time and despite tackling a Hayes of good depth he looks the one best placed to take the prize.
Only Polanski and Criterion have form to match the South Australian at this stage and they are both resuming with goals over longer trips in their sights.
Hucklebuck comes up better than $3.6 in early markets which looks a good bet for a horse we have marked $2.3.
Also marked at $3.6 in early betting is the Darren Weir-trained Five All who steps out in competitive mares handicap (Race 3).
She is racing in great form, as most from that yard are of late, but the feeling is that she was given the run of things when winning last time and things get no easier for her here.
Happy to take her on at the quote.
The play comes in the last where value can be found in the early prices of both Decircles and Club Command.
There is a huge watch on the pair from Mt Macedon, with Foundry in particular well fancied to make it in stronger races down under, but over 1400m they are unlikely to be seen anywhere near their best.
Playing up the two good 1400m handicappers, both in top form, looks the way to bring it home.
THE MELBOURNE MAIL:
Banker: Race 6 #4 Hucklebuck @ $3.60
Play Of The Day: Race 9 #2 & #8 Decircles & Club Command
Lay Of The Day: Race 3 #3 Five All @ $3.60
