LAST START WINNERS TO REPRESENT US AT SANDOWN

Two last start winners to represent us on the Lakeside course at Sandown on Wednesday with Wham staying home.

Nerve Not Verve is the first to go in race four, the MRC Membership Benchmark 78 Handicap over 2100m with Michael Dee riding and jumping from barrier five after scratchings have reduced her opposition six.

The four-year-old daughter of Shocking showed her true form last time out when running away to win by 4-1/4 lengths over 2060m on a heavy track at Cranbourne and Mike Moroney is expecting another forward showing.

“She appreciated being able to get her toe in last start and showed she’s a classy mare,” Moroney said.

“Unfortunately she’s unlikely to get those conditions today but she has trained on nicely since and the distance will suit her.

“She’s got a step up in class but she showed with her run in the New Zealand Oaks earlier in the year that she is capable of measuring up.

“Ideally it will be a truly run race today and I’m sure she will run well.”

Iowa Hawkeye runs in race six, the Benchmark 64 Handicap where he will jump from barrier six with Dwayne Dunn in the saddle.

Iowa Hawkeye resumed with an all the way win over 1400m at Bendigo and drops half a kilo for the maiden win in today’s higher grade.

“I thought his last win was full of merit and he’s done well since,” Moroney said.

“Obviously he’s out of Maiden grade now but he’s one of three last start winners in the race and he’s drawn to get the right run.

“I think he is a horse still with some improve,ment to come and this race looks a nice preogression for him so I’m expecting him to run well again.”