STAR 104.5 HANDICAP
AI Selections & Analysis (8 runners)
Shirvington boasts an outstanding win rate of 57% from only 7 starts, including three wins from its last four outings. The Bjorn Baker stable is in excellent form, and from barrier 3 with Joshua Parr aboard, this horse is a top contender in this class.
Coming off a last-start win and a second before that, Don't Doubt Merlin is in good form and has a solid Win% for this field. The apprentice claim helps with the weight, and barrier 4 is ideal for the 1000m sprint.
Saratoga Power has a strong career record with 7 wins from 19 starts and good prizemoney, indicating class. While its last start was a 4th, it was preceded by consistent winning form, making it a genuine each-way chance from a good barrier.
Wondereach has a high career Win% and significant prizemoney, but its recent form has been inconsistent after a strong start to its previous prep. Nash Rawiller from barrier 1 is a big positive, making it a place hope if it can recapture earlier form.
Prancing Spirit has a good overall Place% and high prizemoney, but its recent form string shows a decline after a win three starts back. Chad Schofield is a good jockey, but the horse needs to lift to be competitive in this field.
Divine Vicky showed some improvement with two wins recently but then faded to an 8th last start. Its overall Win% is modest, and from barrier 8, it faces a tough task against some in-form sprinters.
Wootton Lass has a very inconsistent form string with a recent win but also several unplaced runs. With a low career Place% and stepping up in class, this horse looks to be outclassed here despite the light weight.
Welcome Gypsy has a poor recent form string, with only one win from its last ten starts and a very low career Win%. From a wide barrier, it's difficult to see this horse featuring prominently in this competitive sprint.