It should be a case of third time lucky this campaign for Theatreman contesting the Sam Miranda Wines Benchmark 70 Handicap at Wangaratta.
The Andrew Payne-trained galloper has placed in both runs this campaign and has been beaten by a slender margin on each occasion.
Theatreman is due for a change of fortunes and the Sam Miranda Wines Benchmark 70 Handicap shapes as the race in which he will receive them.
The Mossman gelding has run to a Timeform figure of 80 in each of his two runs this campaign, the latest at this track, class and trip.
He rates on top amongst this field on weight adjusted ratings in an event where arguably his main danger at the time of acceptances, Talbanga, has been scratched.
Theatreman was caught horribly wide throughout on resuming at Benalla while he never got into clear running at Wangaratta last start.
James Winks now jumps aboard and from barrier 1 should have the five-year-old positioned handy, ideally just outside the early tempo.
Theatreman faces just six rivals and the fact Club Zero rates as the main danger augers well for his chances.
After running second in a picnic event at Mansfield, Club Zero last start saluted at Wagga.
The run returned Club Zero a Timeform rating of 80.
Such an effort puts him in the mix here however just a general lack of consistency makes it hard to get overly excited.
Resuming in the Sam Miranda Wines Benchmark 70 Handicap is the Clinton McDonald-trained Beliveau.
The son of Fastnet Rock returns for a new stable after showing good promise during 12 starts for John Sadler.
Disclosed form suggests Beliveau will be better suited over more ground however the four-year-old possesses a peak Timeform figure of 91.
This suggests class alone can see Beliveau fighting out the finish of a race lacking depth.
Keep an eye out for him working into calculations late however it should be Theatreman who is prominent throughout before claiming the Sam Miranda Wines Benchmark 70 Handicap (1170m).
