In what should come as a shock to no one, the Darren Weir stable looks to hold a strong hand going to Flemington this Saturday.

Chief among their string of leading chances (in the view of the Melbourne Mail anyway) is the favourite in the sixth race on the card, Handsome Thief.

Handsome Thief was left with too much to do first up at Caulfield but he closed the race off strongly and will be much better suited out to 1200m now.

His first up effort alone stands up to make him a winning chance on Saturday but his form last prep is what catches our eye has it hints at him being much better than his first up run.

His second up effort last prep saw him third to Mr Sneaky and Theanswermyfriend - both very smart and boasting Timeform ratings in excess of 110. Handsome Thief won't have to deal with anything of that ilk on the weekend.

For an each way play we are looking at race four, a very modest mares race where half the field come off a farcical race at Caulfield last time.

That race was won by Shenandoah who was handed the front at no more than a jog and only had to produce a speed figure of 33 to land the prize...

Addison rattled on home and her closing splits could be seen as pointing to her being the one to be with a more genuinely run contest. That may be true, but the market early doors has thrown Shenandoah on the scrap heap and that may be premature.

She had form that made her a strong winning chance going to Caulfield and that she won can't be seen as a bad thing. She will roll forward again and there's some chance that things get put on a platter for her again. She stays well, has upside, and $7.50 looks to undersell her chances of going back to back.

THE MELBOURNE MAIL

Each Way Play: Race 4 #3 Shenandoah @ $7.50