4:05am - KEN CALLANDER FELLOWSHIP HANDICAP | 1200m | | i

A most competitive field assembles for this 1200m Benchmark 80 event with it not difficult to make a case for every runner in the race. Heading betting is 1100m Grafton track record holder Blackboard Special whose erratic race manners have hindered his unquestionable talent in his brief career to date. There looked to be some signs of improvement for him last start when finishing off powerfully at Eagle Farm but jockey Ric McMahon will no doubt have his hands full with this fellow. Black Revolver has come in for solid support in early betting after a strong closing 4th off an unsuitable tempo first-up, a problem which is unlikely to eventuate here with plenty of go-forward horses engaged. Oxford Poet, Sabino Speed and Melbourne visitor Kraftwerk will all push forward and all bring solid form into the race. Papillon Rouge drops significantly in class into this and is likely to gain a sweet run, as could Romantic Moon who is first-up after being tested in the stronger Spring races. Shahad can improve on top of the ground and even the middle distance type Double Eagle should get his chance late. A fascinating contest.