Thunderbird One took advantage of a generous handicap at his Australian debut and he’s a strong chance of following that up at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Thunderbird One signed off on his time in New Zealand with a smart effort in a Group 3 splitting useful mares Zennista and Soriano.
He didn’t have to run up to that level to kick off a winner in Australia, giving weight and race fitness away but proving too strong at Sale.
The equivalent of a 1.5kg penalty for that win leaves him with little more to do to be winning again, and he should improve for the run.
A wide draw may make things tricky for Spirit Of Heaven but a bit of cut in the ground is expected to suit when she makes her return.
She’ll need a bit of luck but it is worth noting that her two runs away from good ground have seen her run well in solid figures.
Also worth noting is that the stable is striking, albeit slightly, better with first-up runners this season than second or third-up.
Voila Ici finds himself in a very ordinary looking off-season handicap and has decent form claims, particularly with the race scaled to have just a couple of horses in the handicap.
It’s probably his chance to win a race down under but with 1105 days and 20 runs having passed since his latest success he is not one to be chasing.
Despite the way the race sets up he is best avoided.
THE MELBOURNE MAIL
Banker: Race 6 #4 Thunderbird One @ $4.80
Play Of The Day: Race 4 #8 Spirit Of Heaven @ $8.00
Lay Of The Day: Race 5 #1 Voila Ici @ $4.00
