3 minute read

Today's Greenedge Cycling Handicap (race 5) at Ballarat is only a small field but a top race nonetheless, with a number of winning chances.

But honest galloper Chamandi looks well placed to return to winning form as the lightly raced gelding drops back to the provincials and the scene of his latest win.

Prepared at Rye by Anthony Freedman, Chamandi has raced six times for two wins but has spent much of his career in town.

He led throughout at Morphettville to win his maiden five back then found the 1000m too sharp up the straight at Flemington.

He then stepped straight to 1400m there and after settling midfield worked to the line steadily to finish eighth, beaten 2.3 lengths behind Hidden Symbol.

That was his last run as a juvenile and after a break resumed here over 1200m in an RB68.

Settling midfield, he turned slightly further back but hit the line well for a long neck win over Creed.

He then returned to town in another RB68 at Sandown Park Lakeside.

After initially settling third he was shuffled back along the inside and straightened well back, working to the line well at the finish for a 3.8 length fifth.

Today he rises to an RB72 but won't find this any tougher and drops a kilo.

He is suited by the longer journey now and was an impressive winner at his only try at the course.

The gelding is certainly worth another chance.

Mark Kavanagh's Lucario only broke through for his maiden win last time but has scope to go on with it and should run well again.

The former Kiwi gelding made his Australian debut at Seymour two starts back and after battling home for fourth stripped much fitter for his last run.

That was here over 1400m where he carried a big weight and after settling third loomed up and ran away with a three quarter length win.

He will be even fitter again for this race and although up in grade does drop nicely in the weights.

He's a horse on the up and should be prominent throughout.

The unbeaten Greenedge must be considered a strong hope again as he goes for a winning hat trick.

The gelding made his debut here over 1200m and ran on well to score a half length win.

He then stepped up to 1450m ay Kyneton and after settling second and racing there throughout drew clear to score another half length victory.

This is a tougher race but he can only be further improved and has drawn to be on the speed throughout again.

Light Express is fitter for three runs from a spell and will find this easier than her last couple.

The latest was at Caulfield in an RB89 where she finished midfield after racing fourth in the run.

This is much easier and with the light weight, a good draw and senior rider Danny Nikolic going aboard she should give a good sight in this class.