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The Gerald Ryan stable is in hot form at present and I am looking to the lightly raced Lonchero to continue that luck this afternoon when he contests the De Bortoli Wines Handicap over 1550m.

A race reserved for non metropolitan winners in the last year, a very competitive line up of gallopers from several stables are down to do battle.

While Lonchero may not boast the record of some of those higher in the weights, he does come into the race nicely placed after the 3kgs claim for in form apprentice Sam Clipperton.

Lonchero has had a consistent last twelve months winning once in eight runs and placing six times, however his first two runs back from a spell this campaign indicate the son of Lonhro, despite facing a class rise this afternoon could be on the improve.

Fresh up this campaign he tackled a strong class 3 at Goulburn over 1400m and after travelling handy throughout just failed in a close finish to catch Coliseo.

Then last time out at Hawkesbury again over 1400m but in class 1 company against travelled handy and after getting to the front in the straight failed to hold off the eventual winner Vegasherewecome.

As an added bonus, Lonchero will drop a massive 7 kgs in weight which should be sufficient to see him right in the finish again making him an excellent each way prospect.

Stablemate and top weight Equable will carry 595kgs and concede 8.5 kilos in weight to Lonchero but he is the class runner of the race.

After two runs back from a spell, he too should be close to peak fitness, which he will need to be under such a big weight.

Fresh up over 1300m behind My Destiny, after a slow start he finished on from well back in the field just four lengths behind that impressive galloper.

Last time out he was most disappointing behind Youthful Jack but there were genuine excuses losing a plate during the race.

He rises 4 kilos on that effort but does face a much easier assignment and from a good barrier rider Brenton Avdulla is sure to save every inch of ground.

A return to his peak ratings would see him very hard to beat.

Likely favourite is Hamburg who brings some good form into the race off what looks like an interrupted preparation which could be a concern for punters.

The gelding had been racing well until last start when he came off an unexpected 40 day break to run sixth to Mon Soleil over 1350m at Rosehill.

Three back he as a handy winner in benchmark 69 class at Hawkesbury over 1500m posting a twelve month high rating.

The fact he has had another 34 day break since the Rosehill race seems to suggest all may not be a hundred percent with the gelding.

I guess the market will tell the tale eventually but it does not look an ideal preparation for this race.

Veteran Voltabolta cannot be dismissed despite the onset of rising years.

Another who has raced twice since a spell, Voltabolta resumed with an excellent effort over 1300m at Warwick Farm in stronger class than he meets today beaten just under four lengths behind Famous Seamus.

Last start over this course and distance he ran an even race for fourth behind Olinoor, a run which should have topped him off nicely for this assignment.

Voltabolta's record third up is strong, four placings from five attempts and it is interesting that leading senior rider Glyn Schofield replaces apprentice Jake Duffy.

Mr Edison from the Bart Cummings stable see former champion Sydney rider Blake Shinn return to Sydney race riding.

After a couple of weeks back in the saddle in Melbourne, Shinn has shown he has lost of his ability and will soon make his way back to the top echelon of Australian riders.

Mr Edison has not done much in two runs back from a spell but at his best would certainly take oa hand in proceedings.

Definitely one to put into the multiples.

Like I said at the outset of this article, a very well balanced field with plenty of chances but I am happy to stay with Lonchero as a good each way chance.

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