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By Nick Berney

Gallant Star (Pic: Bradley Photos)

HAWKESBURY – BEST BET: Race 10 # 7 – GALLANT STAR

Like him, and he is suited in this grade with the claim, following a solid performance in the Country Championships Final (1400m). The gelding bolted in first-up running time and then started favourite last start at Randwick when carrying the top weight. He chased a very fast tempo and tried hard to the line to finish fourth in what has since been a proven form reference. The Brett Robb-trained runner has multiple winning ratings, produced his career peak figure third up last preparation, and will be suited on top of the speed with the anticipated race shape.

HAWKESBURY – VALUE BEST: Race 7 # 11 – WRITTEN IN CODE

She is flying this preparation and has gone to a new level since returning to the clockwise direction. First up, she overcame difficulties and the race shape to score, and she showed style winning last start at this track/distance. Further, she went through the line full of energy, pricked her ears and ran the meeting's fastest closing sectionals. She rises in grade, but all key indicators suggest she can make the step, and she has the key attributes of acceleration/closing speed. Additionally, apprentice jockey Braith Nock has had two rides on her for two wins.

HAWKESBURY– SECTIONAL STAR: Race 4 # 4 – WORLD ALLIANCE

He brings a strong Hawkesbury profile, has a solid record at this track, is proven in all conditions and can sprint fresh. The Matthew Smith-trained galloper's first-up run from last campaign had sectional merit, and Punter's Intelligence recorded his late strength with the five-year-old clocking the meeting's fastest final 200m split in 11.29. He gets in well with the claim, has multiple winning ratings and expect him to be savaging the line.

NEWCASTLE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 8 # 1 – LYLES

He profiles well for this event and is well-placed here back in grade. The gelding was 33 days between runs last start at Warwick Farm and was brave in defeat in a high-rating race. Further, he chased a very fast pace and tried hard to the line to finish third, with strong margins throughout, confirming the quality. He is suited back on the rain-affected ground and can roll forward from the wide draw with the anticipated track pattern to suit. In addition, the rise in trip suits and repeating his last-start effort/figure will make him hard to catch.

All the fields, form and replays for Hawkesbury