Victoria’s leading stayers will battle for a ticket to the Nationals when they meet in Thursday night’s Victorian National Distance Final (715m) at Sandown Park.
With the winner progressing to the National Distance Final at Sandown Park on Saturday, August 29, there is plenty riding on a fascinating state decider.
Race caller Dan Hibberd believes the race is anything but straightforward, with proven Group performers joined by several stayers hitting peak form at exactly the right time.
Hibberd has assessed all eight runners ahead of Thursday night.
1. WITHOUT A TRACE
“Champion stayer, but I’ve absolutely no idea how to assess where she’s at. She was never in it last week but still managed to qualify. She’s too good to discount, but I think she must lead here to win. If she gets buried on the rail, I can’t see her winning.”
2. ESPOIR
“Has been an absolute gun over the middle trip on both city tracks in recent months. Stepped up last week and won well but did get the breaks when those behind her squeezed up on the first corner. Natural improvement over this trip should see her competitive again.”
3. MEPUNGA DONNA
“Honest performer over the staying journey but yet to win over this trip. Has been placed in five out of six though. Probably a length or two off the absolute best, but cannot be discounted.”
4. IN MODERATION
“Punters have been cashed up from this guy in his last two wins, having been backed for plenty at decent odds. His Meadows win was impressive, but last week was even more so. He’s in the absolute sweet spot at the moment. Hard to beat.”
5. ELITE ONE
“Another who is very consistent but maybe a rung below the best. Having said that, he comes off a close-up third in the Fireball three starts ago and wasn’t far away in his heat. Top-four chance.”
6. PAW LOVISA
“Jumped up to the staying trip for the first time in the heat and was beaten by a good one. Probably facing a real acid test in this one, but if she happens to lead she could make the others nervous for a long way.”
7. PAW QUINBY
“Tough competitor who has a super record over the trip despite having never won. Placed seven out of 10 suggests he shouldn’t be far away, but this is a strong race and it might be a bridge too far.”
8. MEPUNGA LARA
“Group 1 winner who can never be discounted. Rarely runs a bad race and was strong late last week. Hard to see her in the early speed battle, so the pink isn’t that bad a draw. If she’s close enough, she can be strong late.”
