5:15am - CIVIC STAKES | 1350m | Listed | i

An off-season stakes race brings together a nice little field of sprinter/milers over the 1350m. The pace of the race should be even enough if Capital Commander lines up, otherwise there is a chance of another stop-start tactical affair. Assuming he doesn't get his own way (again), Tromso will find it tough with the big weight after a brave effort last week. The market is headed by the strong Grahame Begg trained mare Bennetta, who is well placed after good runs in Queensland Winter Carnival races. She enjoys the Rosehill circuit and will be raising an effort late from the back. The field opens up outside of the favourite, with horses like Taxmeifyoucan, Generalife and Oakfield Commands all solid types that won't be far away. Hidden Kisses and He's Your Man both have the talent to win from the Waller yard and can't be dismissed, although they will need to outsprint Bennetta from the back. The value looks to be the Cummings trained The Peak, who is a nice type that simply lacked the power to compete over the sprint trips first and second-up. The distance increase could bring a much improved effort. Can the Begg mare swoop home best, or will the boys prove too hard to get past?