All the stars are aligned for Olivia’s Way

Race 1 (1,400m)

(1) MONKEY PUZZLE has found one too good in his Highveld appearances over sprint distances. But he has proven himself effective over this extended trip, so he will likely play a leading role from a favourable inside gate.
(4) CARNARVON has the form and experience to fight out the finish.
South American import (7) COVER is a newcomer to note.
(10) SPACE MISSION is unexposed but has shown enough to be competitive.

Race 2 (1,400m)

It will probably take a good one to deny (5) ANAHITA, whose debut third has been boosted by two subsequent winners from that race.
(2) WAR TALK caught the eye on her reappearance over 1,450m in September when she stayed on from the rear of the field. She would have tightened up since.
(10) PALACE SCRIPT fits a similar profile, but has the widest draw to negotiate.
(7) GRACE’S KISS also warrants respect.

Race 3 (1,600m)

Summer Cup hopefuls (1) PARISIAN WALKWAY and (2) THE EQUATOR set the standard and should fight out the finish as they are the joint best-weighted runners. The highly regarded latter bounced back to winning ways when refitted with blinkers earlier this season. But he is unlikely to be fully tuned on his reappearance, whereas his main rival would have benefited from a recent comeback run in a similar contest, so he will have the fitness edge.
(3) BEYNAC and (5) IMPACT INVESTOR should make their presence felt too.

Race 4 (2,000m)

It could pay to side with (5) OLIVIA’S WAY, who had legitimate excuses for her comeback no-show from the widest stall in a 1,450m Grade 2. She is undoubtedly better than that performance suggests, and is also favourably treated by these conditions.

The topweight (1) SON OF RAJ was not disgraced in a Grade 1 race on July 27. Given the company on that occasion, he would not need to be wound up on his reappearance to be competitive.

(8) CHESTNUT BOMBER cannot be taken lightly.

(7) THUNEE PLAYA did not go unnoticed on his return in a Grade 2 feature, and could also have a role to play.

Race 5 (2,000m)

(2) AVOONTOAST finished second over this trip last time. Big chance.

(5) LAVA LAMP is unbeaten over track and trip.

(1) FREE IN SEATTLE and (3) DIMAKO’S JET were closely matched on the form of a recent 1,800m meeting, and there should not be much between them.

Race 6 (2,000m)

(2) DAMOVA was a dominant start-to-finish winner over 2,400m at this level last time. She can make another bold bid.

The improving last-start winner (8) PEPPER TREE should enjoy stretching out to this distance, so she may pose a bigger threat.

(3) HAZY DAZY could play a leading role, but she is also engaged to run at an earlier meeting.

Hard-knocker (5) KISS OF FIRE has the means to stake a claim in the outcome too.

Race 7 (1,160m)

The last-start Grade 1 winner (1) BUFFALO STORM CODY has gone from strength to strength since he was gelded. He is one of three in the race with an unbeaten course-and-distance record.

The best-weighted (6) FIRE ATTACK, a winner at Grade 1 level, and the recently gelded (8) WINDS OF CHANGE both boast perfect records over the track and trip, so they are not to be taken lightly.
(5) GREATERIX is not to be underestimated back in a sprint.

Race 8 (1,160m)

(1) XENOPHON was narrowly beaten into second by Hong Kong on his handicap debut at a higher level in September. Even under top weight with a three-point penalty to carry, the Sean Tarry-trained 4YO can go one better.
(2) BUMPS LAST GRIND had legitimate excuses for his no-show last time when 10th to Juniper Green, but could fight out the finish if he bounces back to his earlier form.
The last-start scorer (3) HIS LORDSHIP and honest hard-knocker (6) SPY STORY have the means to challenge.