3 minute read

The Simon Miller trained Scalpel returned in great order last start and appears well placed to go back to back in the fifth event at Belmont on Saturday.

An impressive winner on debut at Bunbury last time in, Scalpel displayed above average ability and while only fair at his second start, he has clearly made good improvement off a break.

Well supported to start the 9-10 favourite, Scalpel proved too strong on-speed, returning decent figures in the process.

He remains open to good improvement off the back of that and has drawn to find the front, if not settle outside the lead.

The decision to remain at 1000m should suit and if able to repeat the level of his last start performance, he looks to set a decent standard.

As much as $4.80 is being offered about his chances, which is a more than worthy gamble, as while an open affair, he is well placed.

The Simon Miller stable is in great form this season, striking at 22% from his last 50 runners and 19% from his last 350.

Overall the Miller stable strikes at 23% with gallopers racing second up and Scalpel should certainly prove hard to beat.

The Jim Taylor trained Flying Roar really caught the eye first up and shapes as one of the hardest to beat in the sixth event.

A winner of eight of his 34 starts, Flying Roar was close to his peak first up and given he generally improves with racing, he looks to be back on track.

At Belmont he has won five of his 17 attempts and has placed in six of 12 attempts over this trip.

From the good draw, he is expected to settle closer to the speed this time around and with even luck in running, he should prove hard to hold out late.

On best form he is certainly well placed and is expected to make his presence felt at good odds on Saturday.

Best From The West

BET OF THE DAY: Race 5 #5 Scalpel @ $4.80

EACH WAY PLAY: Race 6 #3 @ Flying Roar @ $8.00