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Malachite will look to continue her strong recent form when stepping out in a Class 3 at Taree today over 1000m.

The Kris Lees-trained runner kicked off the preparation in good order with two wins at Newcastle before running a narrow second in a Benchmark 65 at Wyong 12 days ago.

That run rates well for a race like this and dropping back in grade looks very well placed in this company.

Andrew Gibbons who has won both times on board the four-year-old mare goes back on today and from barrier 2 is likely to go forward and take up the lead in this.

Gibbons in currently riding at 24% for the Lees yard who has been in good form the past couple of months.

Malachite does come up against a couple of handy ones today but fourth up looks very well placed to return to the winners circle.

Respire from the Allan Denham stable returned in good order when running fourth at Newcastle last start and is likely to improve off that today.

Form for the most part was good last time in and she will get a good run on the speed from barrier 3. Leading local jockey Robert Thompson stays on board and she will be in this for a long way.

Has won her only time at the trip previously and despite carrying 60kg looks a big danger here.

Casino Swoop is an interesting runner resuming for new yard after being sold at the Patinack Farm dispersal sale.

Produced good form in tougher company last campaign and won a recent trial at this course over 1000m.

Apprentice jockey Mollie Partridge goes on board and claims 4kg off the allotted 65.5kg.

The five-year-old gelding has the ability to feature in the finish despite the big weight and would expect him to not be far away in the run.

These look the main chances and hard to see anything out of these three featuring although Jimmy Says Yes from the Kris Lees stable also to be respected.