You would struggle to find a more impressive victor on debut and as a result the Mark Kavanagh trained West Africa appears very hard to beat at Moonee Valley tonight.
Successful in recording close to stakes figures when saluting by nine lengths on debut at Kilmore, West Africa is clearly a galloper with plenty of ability and is expected to remain unbeaten when he lines up in the third race of the night.
Having suffered a minor set-back when due to line up at Caulfield a few weeks back this race does appear more suitable and if over his minor hiccup he should have little concerns disposing of his rivals.
Drawn ideally Stephen Baster should be able to either roll forward and lead or take a sit just off them and simply prove too good over the concluding stages.
While it is hard to be overly bullish following just the sole start he does appear destined for far better and does shapes up as a possible Autumn contender.
The drop back to 1000m should post no concerns off a five week let up and he is expected to take a power of beating.
Resumes. Has some solid pieces of form in the book from last prep. The 1000m will probably prove short of his best trip but he can run well.
Nice maiden winner last time. Nothing like what we saw from West Africa, though, and it would come as a surprise were she to roll him tonight.
Hasn't gone on with it at three but had excuses last time off the short break. Blinkers go on now. Has to improve on latest.
Had no luck this prep and has tackled some tough company. Bumps into some talent again tonight, though.
Led from start to finish and came away with a win at Pakenham first-up. In the race for minor honours.
ZEFFIRETTA:
Landed a Cranbourne maiden first-up from a break but going to need to step right up on that form to be winning again here.
Sound here two back before flopping at Cranbourne last time. Given 63 days off since. Prefer others at this stage.Fairly plain at Kembla Grange first-up from a spell. Looking around her at this point.
