The ever consistent Floral Insight has been allotted the grandstand at Grafton this afternoon but still appears well placed to return to the winner's stall.
Although set the task of carrying 63kg after Jodi Worley's three kilogram claim, the son of Floral Dynamite does appear well placed on best form and has proven successful with the big weight previously.
In 56 career starts he has never been far away having placed in 41 of those attempts including 16 career victories.
He has placed in four of five attempts at this track and is a proven flier over this trip having placed in four of nine attempts.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings he sits second overall however there is a big question mark surrounding Plateau Gold's career peak performance as he has only achieved this figure once and was quite plain last time out at Eagle Farm.
Drawn a touch awkwardly expect Worley to roll forward on Floral Insight and park just off the speed with the Tom Pratt trained Private Express, the John Shelton trained Suchabimbo and the Mark Palmer trained Western Shadow all expected to roll forward.
With good speed engaged he should be able to settle nicely in the run and be saved for one last crack at them in the straight, however she obviously won't want to be giving them too much start with the big weight.
Floral Insight has continued to produce figures easily good enough to win this affair and while not top rated at this point in time he is clearly the most consistent and is expected to take plenty of beating.
Plateau Gold boasts the highest peak figure in this affair however as mentioned previously he is yet to reproduce this figure and a big question mark remains over whether he can see 1106m right out.
Nonetheless if he is able to produce his best form he should prove very hard to beat and is expected to be right in the finish.
The Glen Hodge trained Padre Pio has been racing in great form this time in having placed in 10 of his last 14 starts.
He is another galloper who is proven to perform well at this course and distance and is expected to be charging home right into the finish as he will likely drop out from the wide draw.
Of the rest Private Express does appear the next in line following his game performance when only narrowly beaten at this track last start.
If able to hold his form he shapes as a solid each way hope with Matthew Bennett sticking aboard.
Good luck and happy punting.
