Mornington Picks

This race should prove a reliable form reference. BELLE DETELLE only just missed in driving finish at only start at Seymour, perfectly placed. SHANWAH finished strongly to end up midfield last start at Warrnambool when first up, cannot be ruled out. ITWASONLYAKISS ran fourth last start at Sale and should run fitter for past attempts, place only. ONGATITI resumes after a spell of 24 weeks, place only.

SIRENA hasn't been far away in first two races and only just missed last start, finishing a length back from the winner at Mornington when fresh. Clearly the one to beat. MELODIA PERFECTA in the money last start running second at Cranbourne and has four placings from four runs this prep. Likely to race near the speed in a race without much early pace. Expect to be right up there. RHIA first start and untrialled. Watch early betting. SUMMER FLAME first starter and racing without trial. Market as guide.

WRITTEN BLIGH has placed in two attempts this campaign and finished a length back from the leader last start at Mornington, the testing material. VERDOUX has won both races so far and rates highly with Liam Riordan aboard, for the exotics. ETOILE FILANTE last start winner to break maiden at Mornington and winner at the track before, for the wider exotics. SECOND FIX resumes from a 17 week spell and won or placed in two races to start career, include in exotics.

ARDEN GREEN couldn't hold on and just missed last start at Werribee. Has three placings from five runs this prep. Won't be far away in the run. One of the main hopes. SWEET JASMINE only just missed last start, finishing a length back from the winner at Warrnambool when first up. Comes to hand quickly and placed at Werribee when last second-up. Won't be far away in the run. Place hope. EAST INDIAMAN came on to finish midfield last start at Kilmore and draws to do no work. Won't be far away in the run. Place.

TIERRA won last start to break maiden at Stony Creek but first try in town. Should run fitter for two previous outings. Can surprise. CONFETTI GARDEN chased strongly to win at only start at Stony Creek but first race at metro class. Liam Riordan a bonus. Can surprise. CHEVAL SAVANT faded to finish four lengths off the winner last start at Randwick but Blake Shinn and Ciaron Maher are a proven combination. All four wins have come in the dry. Will take a power of beating. RETOURNE has placed in two runs from three this campaign but faded to finish ninth last start at Moonee Valley. Among the main chances.

ARALETTA looking for a hatrick after winning two in a row at Mornington and Cranbourne. 3kg claim should help. Leading hope. ROYAL INVADER back from 22 week spell and resumes well. Returns to shorter trip. Go well. REGAL SECRET won once this prep at Geelong three runs back and ran two lengths back from the winner last start at Flemington. Draws to do no work. Should fight out the finish.

CASTELLAR looking for a hatrick after winning two in a row at Mornington and Caulfield Heath. Takes a 3kg claim. Winning chance. DIAMOND FIRETAIL resumes after spell of 23 weeks and generally strong first-up winning at Wyong last attempt. Not out of it. MISS SUNSHINE back from 29 week spell and has the benefit of a Benalla trial. Will come to hand quickly and a winner when last first-up at Ballarat. Go well. CHINQUI finished eighth last start at Flemington when fresh but won at Moe in only second-up attempt. Rates highly with Mark Zahra back on board. Tough to beat.

ZIRYAB last start winner at Caulfield Heath when fresh. Should look to roll forward and two of three wins have come from dry ground. Genuine contender. CAPRICORN STAR looking for a hatrick after winning two in a row at Geelong and Caulfield Heath. Up in distance. Tough to beat. FLYING ACE led all the way to win last start at Mornington. Will likely lead/box seat and 3kg claim should help. Solid claims. DELICIOUS TYCOON let-up for seven weeks. Faded to finish 12th last start at Caulfield but two of four wins have come from dry ground. Commands serious thought.