3 minute read

While many punters will still be rueing his first up performance promising galloper Exceed and Exalt can make amends at Wyong this afternoon after trialling very impressively in his lead up.

After being backed off the map prior to his resuming effort, punters were struck with the cruellest of blows after Exceed and Exalt buck jumped shortly after the start, dislodging race rider Blake Shinn.

Sent straight to the trials as a result, the Guy Walter trained galloper again proved a handful for Shinn when he proved difficult to settle and in the end wasn't knocked about finishing at the tail of the field.

While his performance in his first trial clearly wasn't ideal, his next trial proved very impressive as he was able to start cleanly and dictate freely from in front holding off a charge from the Gai Waterhouse trained No Looking Back.

Recording the quickest time of the morning heats, Exceed and Exalt quickly reinforced why he received so much support first up as the son of Exceed and Excel has clearly come back in good order this time in.

Dropping back sharply in grade for this afternoon's event see's him rise five-and-half kilograms from his last start, however he still appears very well placed as his performances to finish finishing a close fourth and third in tougher Saturday company last preparation read very well for this affair.

While his winning strike rate of just two wins from thirteen starts remains a concern, since being gelded in June this year he has raced seven times, collecting one win and two minor placings, adding to that four of his efforts have been in far tougher company then this today.

From the good draw expect Shinn to press forward on Exceed and Exalt and ride him closer to the speed with likely leaders The Shooter, Beaveroo and Trick Shot ensuring a good solid tempo.

With a clear class edge over the majority of his rivals, it's simple if he turns up on his best behaviour he simply should be too good for these.

The Adam Duggan trained Frozen Rope shapes up as his biggest danger with the progressive five-year-old returning from a lengthy nine-and-a-half month break.

While undoubtedly his best form was seen over further last time in he has never missed the money fresh and proved successful in his only attempt at this track last time in.

In-form jockey Josh Parr continues his association with the galloper having ridden him in both his trials leading up to this and he is expected to be right in the finish.

The Grant Allard trained Shadow Me has been in fantastic form of late placing at six of her last nine starts and chases her third straight win in this afternoon's event.

While it is obvious the daughter of Dane Shadow has to make a considerable step up in grade for this afternoon's affair she still cannot be ignored.

The Chris Waller trained The Shooter and the Kris Lees trained Project Compassion round out the leading hopes.

Good luck and happy punting.