This is one of the poorer Doomben Cup fields in recent years, considering the calibre of some of the horses who have won this race. Nevertheless, there is still an opportunity for a win.

Perlin had excuses when going down in the PM's Cup on the Gold Coast, as I explained the weekend before last. Having some more time to get acclimatised, and after having an opportunity to get used to the clockwise way of going, I think he should improve considerably, and the $3.50 on Sportsbet looks about right.

Platinum Scissors has come back well since failing to 'fire' at stud, and beat Roman Arch very well last start. I would add Tickle to the multiples only if wet, and Pacific Dancer and Natural Blitz so long as there is NO rain around.

VRC Winter Championship Heat

I am a big believer that jockey's make a big difference, and after 5 seconds in a row, Mr. Murphy should be able to go one better thanks to the presence of outstanding rider Noel Callow. The form of the horse can't be faulted, it is just that he keeps getting pipped at the post. In these five seconds he has had apprentice riders on in all of them, and the presence of a top experienced rider should lift him enough to get him over the line.

McCarthy's Bar and Butten Shaw for the multiples.