A sharp drop back in grade leaves the Ricardo Le Grange trained Mokastar well placed to break his maiden status in the second event this evening.
Only lightly raced Mokastar placed at his first three starts before thrown in the deep end, when safely held in the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe [1200m].
Admittedly never a winning chance, however he didn't have a great deal of luck and wasn't able to showcase his best form.Prior to that he finished third behind the progressive Ferocious and is certainly well placed off the back of that performance.
Unseen for 37 days, Mokastar was given a solid trial in the lead up, ridden cold before working home strongly to finish third behind Cairo.Beaten just under 3L, he really caught the eye late and appears in good order for his return.
Mokastar placed in his only attempt on the polytrack, finishing a narrow second on debut behind Yaya Papaya.In a race which clearly lacks depth, Mokastar is very well placed when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
From the middle draw he shouldn't be far away under and should prove hard to beat under Nooresh Juglall.Prior to his last start Mokastar was clearly knocking on the door and given the sharp drop back in grade, he should take a power of beating.
The Mark Walker trained Shamrock creates plenty of interest on debut, having trialled well in the lead up.Formerly based in New Zealand, trained by Stephen Autridge, Shamrock displayed good ability in his sole public trial, finishing second at Matamata (07/02).
By Helmet, he appears a nice style of horse and must always respect when Vlad Duric rides for the Walker stable — 21% S/R.Drawn favourably on the rail, Shamrock can adopt a forward position and with even luck in running, he shapes as one of the hardest to beat.
Do expect the market to provide the best guide to his chances.The Cliff Brown trained Filibuster has also displayed good ability at the trials and has to be kept safe on debut with Michael Rodd booked.
By Ilovethiscity, Filibuster wasn't knocked around behind the Dan Meagher trained Howl and has drawn to receive all the favours.Well-related, Filibuster looms as a major threat.
Of the rest the Ricardo Le Grange trained Antheia appears the next in line.Although safely held in both starts last time in, she has trialled very nicely in the lead up and has to be kept safe with the added aid of the claim.
Good luck and happy punting.
