Lake Arthur looks to have the edge

The pair will team up with evergreen Lake Arthur in Race 8 on the Greyville Polytrack today in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m. The seven-year-old is one of the better weighted runners and his two runs on this track have been decent enough.

His first run was over this distance and this son of Jet Master had been allotted a burden of 63kg which was reduced by 2.5kg thanks to an apprentice allowance. He ran on far too late and ended up finishing fourth behind Global Express, although beaten just two lengths

He next raced in the Darley Arabian over 1600m on the Polytrack but suffered some nasty interference and did well to again finish fourth, this time beaten 5.30 lengths by Night Trip. Lake Arthur is one of those horses who is at his best over 1400m which can be backed up by the fact four of his six career wins have come over this distance.

The two best weighted runners are both fillies who will be racing in open company for the first time. Choir Maiden tops the ratings followed by three-year-old Rich Girl but although they may have the edge on handicap, they will have their work cut out to beat some well-performed colts and geldings.

Choir maiden was beaten 1.50 lengths by Rich Girl last time but is now 6kg better off and should turn the tables on her opponent.

Other than Rich Girl, trainer Charles Laird also saddles top-weight Distinguished and Waltzed Home. They should fill the two minor places. Waltzed Home is nicely weighted and will get 10kg from Distinguished, as he will be ridden by 4kg claimer Callan Murray.

Although Distinguished carries 63kg he cannot be ignored as he will be ridden by Anton Marcus and he does have excellent form. However, he has yet to race on the Polytrack and comes back from a 108-day layoff so could be in need of a run.