3 minute read

A break through win at Kembla Grange last start leaves the John Thompson trained Invincible Knight well placed to clinch the Wagga Guineas this afternoon.

Due to contest the sixth event the former Peter Moody trained galloper has raced in good order since joining John Thompson's care and will no doubt relish the slight step up in trip.

While has only won two of nine career starts Invincible Knight has displayed good ability along the way and notably finished a close fourth in the Listed Bendigo Guineas three starts back.

Sent out the even money favourite at Kembla Grange last start Invincible Knight only won narrowly however he was a sectional star and his performance held plenty of merit.

Marked just shy of his career peak he remains open to further improvement moving forward and finds himself in a very suitable race.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings Invincible Knight sits nicely clear on best form and while the inside draw may not be ideal, the track did favour horses coming from off the speed yesterday and hence it swings the race back in his favour.

The in-form Blake Shinn links aboard for the first time and overall is striking at 36 per cent with the John Thompson stable.

Invincible Knight is already a winner over the mile and this season the John Thompson stable is striking at 23 per cent with last start winners.

Despite there not appearing a great deal of speed engaged expect Shinn to get Invincible Knight into a lovely spot and he should prove very hard to hold out.

In the near capacity field six last start winners take their place but given Invincible Knight possesses the highest last start figure he is tipped to come out on top.

The Paul Murray trained Direct Strategy won well at this track last start and looms as a major threat from the favourable draw.

A model of consistency throughout his career the son of Strategic has placed in six of his last 10 starts and is yet to miss the money at this track.

No question the Murray family target this carnival and Direct Strategy does appear to be heading in the right direction.

Somewhat on trial at the trip however the way he found the line over 1300m last start suggests it won't be an issue.

Admittedly he has a bit to find if Invincible Knight produces his best form however he is sure to be in this for a long way.

The Geoff Duryea trained Challenge Accepted won well with the big weight at this track last start and also holds solid claims.

Only lightly raced he has continued to raise the bar with each performance and although drawn out he is more than capable and has to be respected.

Another on trial at the trip however much like Direct Strategy it shouldn't pose a concern and he has to be kept safe on the quick back up.

Of the rest the Kym Davison trained Vinnie Vega appears the next best following his eye catching run behind Challenge Accepted last start.

Settled at the rear Vinnie Vega savaged the line late and is sure to relish the step up in trip this afternoon.

A winner of four of his 10 starts he too is more than capable and with the aid of the claim he is expected to be right around the mark.

Good luck and happy punting.

SUGGESTED PLAY: Invincible Knight straight out @ $2.20

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