3 minute read

The Team Hawkes trained Mahalangur returned in a big way last start and appears well placed to break through in the final event at Rosehill tomorrow.

Having gone to the paddock in good form, Mahalangur picked up right where he left off, finishing second behind the Chris Waller trained Star Of The Seas.

Conceding a key fitness edge, Mahalangur stuck on well to the line after Star Of The Seas simply got the drop on him.

It's a far different scenario on the weekend as Star Of The Seas is likely to be conceding him a much bigger start and also meets him 2kg worse off at the weights.

Mahalangur should also improve second up and has drawn to land in the one-one for Tommy Berry.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Mahalangur rates clear on his first up effort and have him marked clear favourite.

We remain on weather watch, but at best the track will be in the soft range, any further rain and it only enhances his chances.

A winner of three of his 10 starts, Mahalangur was back better than ever and if able to continue that progression, he should prove very hard to beat.

In the Tulloch Stakes, the Lisa Latta trained Platinum Invador sets up well following an eye catching third in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby [2400m].

An impressive winner at Otaki the start prior, Platinum Invador was a sectional star behind Crown Prosecutor, when the run of the race.

Lightly raced, he only has few blemishes on his record and clear excuses can be made for the times he has failed to feature.

He will have no concerns with the wet track and in the small field (relative to what he has been racing against) he won't be conceding them as big a start.

Leading rider Blake Shinn takes over which is a big tick and while I concede Madison County is a worthy favourite, at the price more than happy to back Platinum Invador each-way.

Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips For Sky Sports Radio:

Race 3 #3 Platinum Invador @ $8.50

Race 4 #8 Trekking @ $4.00

Race 9 - #7 Mahalangur @ $5.00