WINNING CHANCES ON FINALS DAY

Just four runners for us at home today after Mike Moroney elected to save Settevelli for another day.

Bermadez, Big Watch, Elkington Road and The Hindustan represent us with The Hindustan the first to go in the third race, the Taj Rossi Series Final over 1600 metres with Beau Mertens aboard.

“I’m really happy with him and he was nice and bright this morning,” Mike said.

“Obviously he needs to improve on his debut but we’ve added blinkers to him to help.

“The little bit of cut in the ground will suit him as well as the step up in trip so I’m looking for a better effort from him today.”

Big Watch (pictured) is in race five, the A.R. Creswick Stakes over 1200 metres under Billy Egan

“It’s a strong enough race for this level and he should get a lovely run from the draw,” Mike said.

“His fitness levels are good and I’m happy with him so all things being equal I certainly expect him to be competitive.”

Bermadez runs in the race eight, the final of the VRC-CRV Winter Championship Series over 1600 metres with Beau Mertens to ride.

“The draw is no help so we will have to wait and see how the track plays, there looks a bit of speed in the race so will wait and assess,” Mike said.

“The big thing in his favour is the drop in weight for him and while it is a strong race as you would expect if he can run up to his best then he is a winning chance.”

Elkington Road rounds out our day in the last race, the Silver Bowl Final over 1600 metres with Ben Melham in the saddle.

“He’s been up a while but he seems to be coping with it and I’m happy with him,” Mike said.

“He’s drawn well which is a big plus from this start and the soft ground should not be a problem.

“He’s in good order and he should get the right run and be there to run well.”