3 minute read

Perth form has been at the forefront of Melbourne punters thinking in recent weeks and it's there again this weekend with Heart Starter leading the Sandgroper charge.

Heart Starter arrives at The Valley off a run at Echuca that could well be the heart starter his campaign needed.

The Echuca Cup was fast, resulting in a big margin spread and a high rating, which was well advertised by winner Tshahitsi at Flemington last week.

It's a strong formline and the fast 1400m can be just what he needs to drag him up to his peak over the mile on Saturday - a peak that in Timeform terms has him very well placed against a strong, but largely well exposed, field.

If there is a query it is traffic problems from barrier two, but prices around the $4.60 mark look generous enough to play given his positive profile away from that.

In the race prior seasoned campaigner Longeron appeals as a good each way play.

He's been a slow burn this preparation with his ratings edging up with each of his last four runs.

Rolling across forward to sit on what looks like being a solid end-to-end gallop is exactly what brings out the best in Longeron, and with his ratings profile saying he is at base camp, ready to make the final push to that peak, he makes plenty of appeal.

THE MELBOURNE MAIL

Bet Of The Day: Race 8 #8 Heart Starter @ $4.60

Each Way Play: Race 7 #3 Longeron @ $8.50