YULONG NEWMARKET HANDICAP
Probably not a vintage Newmarket, but you can make a case for pretty much all of them. At each-way odds, MAHARBA (2) could be a big improver. He was a bit plain fresh in the G2 Rubiton Stakes but that was a strange race, out-dashed off a very slow speed. He beat Rey Magnerio (3rd in Oakleigh Plate) over this route in the Spring and meets him 2.5kg better at the weights. Speaking of slow speeds, JOLIESTAR (5) copped a horrible race-shape fresh in the G2 Expressway Stakes. She raced wide and never looked comfortable in a farcical tempo. Her best is very good and she doesn't look poorly in with 56kg. REY MAGNERIO (6) is a ripper. He was game as ever in the Oakleigh Plate off a fresh win and must be included. Through the Oakleigh Plate, OSTRAKA (8) wasn't bad from a hopeless spot. He could be an improver, as can ESPIONAGE (14) who was first up off a long spell and stuck on quite well. Have to respect the three-year-old with no weight on his back.
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