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By John Schell

Selections based on a heavy track

7. Éclair Encore is on debut for trainer Kris Lees and has had two trials in preparation for this. She won a trial on a heavy track at Muswellbrook, then backed that up with a second in the other on a soft track at Gosford. She’s drawn well enough here with Andrew Gibbons taking the ride.

Dangers: 8. Star Venture hasn’t done a lot in her three starts to date but she has the ability to show improvement here. 10. Ta Set Neferu has had trials either side of her two starts which were acceptable efforts. She could be placed in this. 2. Prince Rupert is on debut and has had two trials in preparation. He won the first of them on a heavy track and was midfield in the second of them at Gosford in soft going.

How to play it: Éclair Encore WIN.

6. Rum Diary has had five starts and is yet to miss a place with two seconds and three thirds to his name. He was placed here two starts ago, and then finished third at Gosford last time out. He looks suited here.

Dangers: 2. Divine Bene has been placed in each of his latest two starts at Muswellbrook and this track. He looks to be on the improve and is worth plenty of thought here. 4. Hit Song showed improvement to finish third at Gunnedah when last produced and is far from the worst here, while 1. Declutter was placed at this track last time out and could sneak into the placings again.

How to play it: Rum Diary WIN.

4. King Larry has had two trials in preparation for his debut in this event. He was down the track in his initial trial here in February, and since won his only other hitout at this track in heavy conditions last month.

Dangers: 3. Judge Fudge was safely held in his only trial leading into this debut but looks to have the talent to show improvement under race conditions. 8. Deephar has been placed in three of her five starts and has place claims again here. 11. Welcome Back has been placed in her latest two starts and she could figure in the placings with a repeat of those efforts.

How to play it: King Larry WIN.

6. Oakfield Eagle resumes from a spell in this and was in great form at the end of his last campaign when winning two and finishing second in the other two of his latest four starts before the break. He’s had a trial leading into this and should be primed to run well.

Dangers: 1. Kordia is having his first start for a new stable in this and while his most recent form has been below his best he has the ability to make an impact if anywhere near the top of his game. 3. Imatruestar was placed in the Newcastle Stakes in March and then ran fourth at this track last time out in the Hannam Cup. He should give this a shake. 4. Ljungberg was a solid second at Newcastle two starts ago, and followed it up with a last start fourth a the same track when not disgraced.

How to play it: Oakfield Eagle WIN.

2. Namoi River has hit his straps since in his latest two starts, finishing in the placings in both runs. He ran third at Bathurst before finishing second at Kembla Grange last time out. He was beaten 9.5 lengths in that run, but the winner looks well above average.

Dangers: 3. Like Lukey had a couple of decent trials before debuting with a solid fourth at Newcastle at big odds. She ran well again at her second start when finishing third at Newcastle, and she looks to have the ability to give this a shake. 4. Dr Lau has only had two starts and he showed improvement when second-up at this track last time out. He could show up here without surprising. 6. Bright Legend ran well when second at Gunnedah two starts ago, then battled on fairly for a last start fifth at the same track. She could sneak into the placings here without shocking.

How to play it: Namoi River WIN.

3. Otium was resuming from a spell when breaking through with a maiden win at just his fourth start when lining up at this track last time out. Now that he’s won, he looks set to go on with the job.

Dangers: 6. Mosgiel Daisy won here as favourite in a small field back in March, then ran fifth here in April when not disgraced. Her form is solid for a race like this. 10. Give It A Nudge is a last start winner at this track and she looks to have the ability to be able to run well again here. 2. Change The Date has drawn the inside gate and can improve.

How to play it: Otium WIN.

2. Casino Kid was resuming from a spell when running home well to finish fifth in the Gunnedah Cup when last produced. He will be better for that run and has solid wet track form and Aaron Bullock to ride.

Dangers: 3. That’s Molly won a Wild Card to get into the Country Championships Final at Randwick in which she was down the track. She since finished fourth in the Gunnedah Cup when running well, and she should be ready to run well again in this. 12. Cenotes has been tackling Highway grade at his latest two starts, and his overall record is good enough for him to be rated a leading contender in this. 7. Rebel’s Edge ran second at Muswellbrook two starts ago, then ran well again when second to The Dramatist at Scone during the carnival there. He should figure prominently here.

How to play it: Casino Kid EACH WAY.

3. October Revolution was a winner here three starts ago, and was since midfield at Grafton and then again at this track. He has the ability to give this a shake if anywhere near his best form.

Dangers: 1. Markwell Dreamer has a big weight to contend with but is talented on his day and ran well in good grade at Newcastle last time out. He should give plenty of cheek here. 11. Courageous Queen has drawn the inside alley and has been placed in her latest two starts here and at Muswellbrook. She can be placed again here. 13. The Wolf is resuming and was in great form last campaign. He’s drawn to give this a massive shake.

How to play it: October Revolution EACH WAY.

Best Bets:
Race 2 (6) Rum Diary.
Race 4 (6) Oakfield Eagle.

Best Value:
Race 7 (2) Casino Kid.

All the fields, form and replays for Sunday's Taree meeting