Race 3Benchmark 66 Handicap

UPPER HUNTER SHIRE COUNCIL BENCHMARK 66 HANDICAP ($19K)

TBA AEDT1710m19,00010 runners

AI Best Bet

#3 NgunnawalJ: Rory Hutchings

Ngunnawal looks to be the standout here, dropping significantly in class from a much tougher metropolitan race. With a strong jockey aboard and a favorable barrier, this horse is perfectly positioned to return to winning ways against a weaker field.

Significant class dropStrong metropolitan formFavorable barrier 3Top jockey Rory Hutchings

Each-Way Value: Hammoon Sensation

88%

Confidence

AI Race Summary

This Benchmark 66 Handicap over 1710m presents a competitive field with several in-form runners and some intriguing class drops. The distance will test stamina, and barrier draws could play a role, but overall, it appears to be a race where recent form and a good weight will be key.

AI Selections & Analysis (10 runners)

Ngunnawal

Barrier 3 · 132kg · Form: —

LOW RISK

CAREER9:2-0

Jockey:Rory Hutchings

Trainer:Paul Perry

Significant class dropStrong metropolitan formFavorable barrier 3Top jockey Rory Hutchings

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Distance Form

Recent Form

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Beauty Swift

Barrier 4 · 121kg · Form: —

LOW RISK

CAREER3:1-0

Jockey:Jean Van Overmeire

Trainer:Matthew Smith

Beauty Swift is a lightly raced prospect with a high win strike rate from limited starts. Stepping up in distance and class, but with a top trainer and jockey combination, this horse has the potential to continue its upward trajectory and challenge for the win.

Progressive lightly raced horseStrong win strike rateTop stable and jockeyGood barrier 4

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Hammoon Sensation

Barrier 5 · 126kg · Form: —

MEDIUM RISK

CAREER6:2-0

Jockey:Reece Jones

Trainer:Rodney Northam

Hammoon Sensation is another promising runner with a high win strike rate from only six starts. While stepping up in distance, the form suggests it has the ability, and with Reece Jones in the saddle, it represents excellent each-way value.

High win strike rateProgressive formCapable jockey Reece JonesGood barrier 5

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Shutter

Barrier 7 · 134kg · Form: —

MEDIUM RISK

CAREER15:5-0

Jockey:Deon Le Roux

Trainer:Lou Mary

Shutter brings a strong win strike rate to this race, indicating a horse with genuine ability. While the place rate is a concern, if it gets a clean run from barrier 7, it could be right in the finish, especially if it can dictate terms.

High win strike rateCapable of leadingTrainer in good form

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Zelestial

Barrier 8 · 133kg · Form: —

MEDIUM RISK

CAREER13:4-0

Jockey:Jacob Stiff

Trainer:Lyle Chandler

Zelestial has a solid win strike rate and has shown capability in similar company. The wide barrier 8 is a slight concern over this distance, but if Jacob Stiff can navigate a good position, this horse could be a factor in the finish.

Solid win strike rateConsistent performerTrainer in form

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Rockbarton Icon

Barrier 2 · 128kg · Form: —

MEDIUM RISK

CAREER25:3-3

Jockey:Shannen Llewellyn

Trainer:David Atkins

Rockbarton Icon has a low win strike rate but has been competitive in this class. The inside barrier is a plus, and with a light weight, it could run into the placings if the pace is genuine and it gets a soft run.

Inside barrier 2Light weightConsistent in this grade

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Instead

Barrier 8 · 136kg · Form: —

MEDIUM RISK

CAREER18:4-3

Trainer:Wayne Wilkes

Instead has a decent win and place record, suggesting it's capable at this level. The wide barrier 8 is a challenge, but if it can overcome that, its overall career form shows it can be competitive in a Benchmark 66.

Solid career recordProven at this levelTrainer Wayne Wilkes

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Mellencamp

Barrier 1 · 126kg · Form: —

HIGH RISK

CAREER45:6-3

Jockey:Mikayla Weir

Trainer:Allan Boyle

Mellencamp is a seasoned campaigner with a good number of wins, but its overall strike rate and recent form suggest it might find this a bit tough. The inside barrier is a positive, but it needs to improve significantly to be a winning chance.

Inside barrier 1Experienced runnerLight weight

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Damascus Gate

Barrier 1 · 123kg · Form: —

HIGH RISK

CAREER42:7-2

Jockey:Grant Buckley

Trainer:Carlos Antonio

Damascus Gate is another veteran with a decent win tally, but the place strike rate is low, and it's been a while since its best form. While the inside barrier is good, it's hard to see this horse challenging the main contenders based on recent performances.

Inside barrier 1Experienced runnerLight weight

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Twin Turbo

Barrier 6 · 129kg · Form: —

HIGH RISK

CAREER22:2-3

Jockey:Braith Nock

Trainer:Sara Ryan

Twin Turbo has a low win and place strike rate, and appears to be outclassed in this field. While it has some experience, it would need a significant turnaround in form to be competitive here, making it a definite outsider.

Low career strike rateOutclassed in this fieldNeeds significant improvement

Rating Breakdown

Barrier Draw

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Distance Form

Recent Form

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