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Longkissgoodnight can build upon a strong debut showing when contesting The Cove Hotel Maiden Plate at Sandown on Wednesday.
The Team Hawkes-trained mare commenced her career at Moonee Valley over 1200m 26 days ago.
Longkissgoodnight settled midfield on that occasion and whilst doing a bit wrong, still found the line nicely for a 2.1 length third to Beluga Caviar.
She will have taken valuable race experience and fitness from the run which should put her in good stead for Wednesday’s Cove Hotel Maiden Plate (1200m).
The four-year-old already sits prominently in this line up on weight adjusted ratings and there is the likelihood of there being improvement to come.
Jockey James Winks should give her a favourable run in transit, settled midfield or better from an inside barrier.
Early signs are encouraging for connections of the O’Reilly mare who certainly warrants plenty of respect in the second event at Sandown.
While Longkissgoodnight shapes as the pick of the field, the maiden does possess a number of winning chances.
A watch of betting and parade rings is strongly advised in regards to two debutants.
The first is the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Disseminate.
A half sister to Group 1 winner Wanted, the filly certainly has the pedigree to be above average.
While not an easy race in which to commence her career, the daughter of Redoute’s Choice has at least drawn to receive a favourable run in transit under the guidance of Damien Lane.
Popovich is the other interesting debutant.
The Robert Smerdon-trained gelding makes it to the races after four trials through 2015.
Craig Williams partnered the son of Showcasing on three of those occasions and to see him stay aboard here could be considered an encouraging lead.
The debutants shape as the main dangers to Longkissgoodnight as rivals with disclosed form largely looking a cut below the Team Hawkes-trained mare’s level.
Mostert produced a head turning effort when closing strongly into third at Sale a fortnight ago.
The son of Strategic will strip fitter for the outing and while having mixed form through his career to date, has shown glimpses of genuine promise in the process.
Truly Innocent could have finished closer when third at Benalla over 1106m.
It was a strong first up effort and the son of Lonhro can build upon it here.
These handful of horses make The Cove Hotel Maiden Plate an above average shaping contest however Longkissgoodnight profiles as the mare they have to beat.
