DRINKWISE BAILLIEU
AI Selections & Analysis (12 runners)
Southend is the only runner with a win to its name, coming off an impressive debut victory. The wide barrier is a slight concern, but the 100% Win/Place rate and the potential for improvement make it the top pick.
This Chris Waller runner showed good promise on debut with a third-place finish and gets Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle. While the wide barrier 10 is a challenge, natural improvement and a top jockey give it a strong chance.
From the astute Chris Waller stable, Diameter has shown consistent form with a third and fourth in recent starts, indicating potential. Tim Clark is a positive booking, and a good barrier draw helps its prospects over 1400m.
Hardanger has been consistently around the placings with a 50% place rate from four starts and gets Tommy Berry aboard. While yet to win, the experience and consistent form suggest it's a genuine each-way threat, though a wide barrier is a negative.
From the Waterhouse/Bott yard, Plagiarism has the highest prizemoney and a good barrier. However, recent form has been inconsistent, and it's yet to break its maiden, suggesting it might find a few too strong.
This gelding has had four starts and shown glimpses of ability with a third-place finish. James McDonald is a significant jockey upgrade, which could see improvement, but overall form is moderate.
Farcolo showed a decent third two starts back, but its other runs have been uninspiring, and it has a wide barrier. It's a roughie that would need significant improvement to feature prominently.
Anthropoid has shown limited form in three starts with a best finish of fourth, and a 0% place rate. While the barrier is good, it needs to improve substantially to be competitive in this field.
With four starts and no placings, High Alert's form string of 4576 doesn't inspire confidence. It would need to find several lengths to be in the finish here.
Sumac has a 50% place rate from two starts, but its debut was an 8th, and the 3rd was in a weaker race. The wide barrier and limited career prizemoney make it a long shot.
Legaselli's two career starts have resulted in 5th and 8th, with no placings and a wide barrier here. It appears to be outclassed in this field and will need to improve dramatically.
With two 8th place finishes from two starts, Nomadic has shown very little to suggest it can compete here. The wide barrier further diminishes its already slim chances.