ZHAOQING HANDICAP
#8 Romantic Son has been trialling well for the David Hayes stable with Zac Purton aboard. In what isn’t the strongest race, he looks set to run a solid race on debut from the ideal draw in barrier 1. #1 Reward Smile has endured tough luck in both runs this preparation, held up in the straight each time after jumping from wide draws. He’s ready to break through for a win with any luck, though he once again has to navigate a wide gate. #10 Righteous Arion needs to step up on his Class 3 form but is seldom far from the finish and could sneak into the placings in this field. #9 Lucky Combination, another debutant, has shown promise in trials and should get a sweet run from his low draw for jockey Matthew Chadwick.