It is shaping as a case of third time lucky for Crimson God this preparation in Race 2 at Wyong on Thursday.

The John O’Shea-trained colt has finished second in each of his two runs this campaign, the latest when only narrowly denied victory at Kembla Grange.

Following a slow getaway, he let down well in the straight and struck the front 100m from home.

The colt was overpowered in the final stages by a swooper out wide and narrowly denied victory.

The effort was a nice improvement on his first up run at Canterbury when also finishing second, that time over 1250m.

There appears a lot in Crimson God’s favour heading into the Mainstream Taxation and Accountancy Services Maiden Handicap (1350m).

Crimson God should strip fitter again third run from a spell and the way he hit the line last start was suggestive of a colt who would appreciate the longer sprint journey on offer here.

He has drawn to receive all of the favours from barrier 1 and also has blinkers applied for the first time which should assist in sparking further improvement.

Jockey James McDonald should have the colt settled prominently in transit from the draw where he will remain throughout.

Crimson God possesses the second highest 50 day weight adjusted Timeform figure of this field having returned a rating of 86 last start.

All signs point to further improvement on that outing and with that in mind, could prove very hard to beat.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Olympic Dream boasts the highest 50 day weight adjusted Timeform rating of this field after her first up run at this course and distance.

She stuck to her task well for a fourth and will no doubt have taken benefit from the outing.

The mare should keep close tabs on Crimson God in transit from barrier 4 and warrants plenty of consideration.

There are a number of value hopes in the contest, Herne’s Oak being one of them.

The High Chaparral colt failed to beat a runner home on resuming at Canterbury however was still only less than two lengths off the winner.

The race was won by the well bred Skylimit and it is generally believed form out of the event will prove strong.

Herne’s Oak seemingly finds himself contesting an easier race here and will head into it with added fitness second up.

Pedigree suggests he will appreciate the longer sprint trip on offer here as he likely heads toward races over a mile and beyond.

Invinzabeel has shown promise through his four career starts to date.

While safely held last start, his first up run at Hawkesbury should be kept in mind.

Kinagat was sound enough on debut at Hawkesbury over 1300m late last month.

He will have taken valuable race experience and fitness from the run and therefore stays under notice as at least a value player.

It is Crimson God however who brings the strongest profile into Thursday’s Mainstream Taxation and Accountancy Services Maiden Handicap (1350m) at Wyong.