The Sue Grills trained Preparation comes equipped with winning form into today’s feature at Armidale, the Bet With Phil Picone BM 70 Handicap (1400m).

Preparation, a well named son of Foreplay, has won two of his last three now and looks open to further improvement into today and beyond.

The penny appears to have dropped in recent times; he has started relaxing in his races and finishing them off strongly.

Having controlled things from the front at Eagle Farm three back he was able to skip home in a slick sectional to trounce his rivals by a widening 4 lengths.

He was then outgunned by Fireball at Muswellbrook with that horse going on to boost that form with a couple of good performances in town.

Last start he was able to sit on speed at a good clip and fight on strongly to score at Tamworth. He didn’t beat much but the win was full of merit.

There is more on his plate today but he keeps improving and looks up to taking the next step here.

The big danger looks to be the lightly raced Quietude who comes off a dominant last start win at this track and trip.

There he was ridden like the best horse in the race, taking over at the turn and never looking in doubt. He, like Preparation, has more on his plate up in class today but he has good upside and is expected to cope.

Jurrasic Star is another recent winner at the track and distance. His effort to win here two back was very good and he was only just short of that form when placed at Scone last time.

Was never really in the right spot there and could bounce back today without surprising.

Dusty’s Felt is not without a hope coming of a series of solid efforts in similar company.

He looks to round out the winning chances with Devilgate Road and Bombproof seen as the best of the rest and a couple worth including for those playing trifectas and first fours.

Best of luck and happy punting