Sydney:

Race 4, no.3: Our Highlander

Has been in great form lately, last start winning the $100K Winter Championship final. Back in distance but has been freshened up. Jymcarew is another smart type but couldn't have him on his last run.

Race 5, no.5: Zumanity

Smart staying mare who should appreciate rise in distance. Good run last start in aforementioned Winter Championship.

Race 6, no.2: Red Oog

Group 1 winning galloper, who has won four from five first up! Meets some smart performers here, but nothing he can't handle. Watch Binding as he is a potential star of the Spring if he has come back in best form. Will most likely find this too short, but should be running on.

Race 7, no. 7: Pendragon

Has been screaming out for the 1400 trip. Has three seconds from three starts, which isn't a good habit, but I think he will break the mould here. Really open race with a lot of untested form. Bear in mind that this race usually, last year in particular, makes for very good form lines.

Race 8, no.1: Virage De Fortune

I love this filly, and I was impressed by her performance in the QTC Sires Produce as I have been by any 2YO I have seen from last season. BUT. There are two major factors which will make this race tough for her. Firstly, she has drawn barrier 14, which isn't as awful as it sounds owing to the nature of the Rosehill track but could be better. Secondly, carrying 56.5 (topweight) against older mares is going to be a difficult proposition. I think she is good enough to do it, but she isn't without some risk, and you may well want to wait for the right conditions for her.

Melbourne

Race 4, no.1: Brannigan

This horse resumes after the best part of 10 months off. Last Flemington carnival he went down to Australia's best sprinter Fastnet Rock by just half a length down the straight on Derby Day. Followed up with a Sandown Listed race win at WFA. Classy type who loves wet and should be too strong.

Race 5, no.2: Regal Roller

I couldn't for the life of me say what happened to this horse last start, but seeing as he has pulled up fine I think he can be forgiven one bad run. Outstanding Caulfield horse, and if right, will win easily.

I wouldn't touch Makybe Diva with yours. First up record - 6:0-0-0. Correct, she has never run a place first up, and in this small field that is possible, but she sure won't be winning. I want to see how she has pulled up from that Japan adventure - travel has had a crippling effect on some horses over the years.

Race 6, no.6: Readyforcatherine

Make no mistake, this is one smart filly. Showed good form in the later Autumn 2YO races, and in a wide open race represents good value - currently $16 on Sportsbet.

Race 7, no.7: Honest Politician

This very consistent mare has found an ideal race to collect her black type. Whilst, with the exception of Hunter Hermitage, there is likely to be little pace on, I can see this mare taking a sit midfield, and getting too far away for the likes of Flowerdrum, Emerald Jack, and Milkshake to catch her.