SELECTIONS - 29 April 2005

Cranbourne 3-6 Another Archie is still learning what this caper is all about judging by his two runs to date. First up at Stawell over 1100m he drew the outside of 14, settled midfield and a deep and steamed to the line late. He followed that up with a 3rd at Bendigo over 1300m when he sat midfield and really didn't get balanced properly until late when he charged to the line. The 1600m should allow him to settle better and make a run at them. Chances are the 'Rogerson' trained Usage will start favourite but he looked only average in his trial and I'm prepared to go against him.

Cranbourne 7-2 Mr Big was 2nd in the same trial that Usage ran 3rd in but really looked good that day and has subsequently won two of three starts since a spell. First up over 1500m he stormed home to win from a long way back on the turn at the tight Mornington circuit. He then went into town and got a bit lost in the run going to the line without the jockey really asking for much of an effort. He then stepped up to 1950m at Yarra Glen and got home strongly to knock off POOMA selection Mint Royal in the last hop. By Umatilla he has the makings of a good stayer and the step up to Class 3 shouldn't worry too much, as there's not much difference between a Class 1 and Class 3 over the staying trips. He drops 3kg and Danny Brereton goes back on board.

Queanbeyan 7-7 Gemrun returns to her home track where she's had 11 starts for 3 wins and 4 placings. Two starts back she ran a close 2nd in Class 5 F&M company and this race is no harder in spite of being a Class 6 event. She's drawn ideally and English hoop, Paul Goode, will pump her to the line well.

Rockhampton 3-1 King Hunter looks an over the line job here. Thrashed a better field two starts back with 59.5kg then ran a good race at Doomben to be beaten less than 3L last time. Only rises 1kg here and it would be a surprise if he was beaten.

Rockhampton 6-14 Amber King is a ruffie at odds who has the 'consistent' record of 20 starts for 1 win, 1 second and 1 third. All of his racing has been in NSW and he'll find this much easier. On his ratings he has enough talent to win at his first start in the area though has to overcome the carpark draw.

Tamworth 1-2 Offshore Account is one of those selections in a race where the exposed form is no good. He won a trial in good time at Scone recently with a heavyweight jockey on board. Greg Ryan takes the ride and he would have had the choice of a few in the race if he knew they went OK so I reckon you'll find this Secret Savings 2YO goes well. You'd also think that the one from the Craig Martin yard, Al Ward, would go well after his trial win.

Tamworth 2-1 I Know I Am looks the goods here. Has finished off well at her two starts since a spell over 1300m and 1450m so the step to 1600m looks what she needs.

Tamworth 8-2 Irish Loup is a good filly who was beaten as a POOMA selection last time in a fillies' race at Warwick Farm last time when ridden particularly poorly by being back in the field in a slowly run race. She came home well but gave away too big a start that day. With the claim is down 1kg in what is a slightly easier race to what she won in two starts back. Should have a nice run from her draw and be right there at the business end.