The best of the night comes up first with a Hayes runner looking to break his maiden.
All the best of the rest ahead of the eight-race card are in, and there looks a runner at long odds in the sixth that is excellent each-way value.
Pakenham race 1
#3 sheer class
Sheer Class was beaten by a smart one at Pakenham last start over 1600 metres.
He and the winner gapped the field in good time for maiden class in a race which was a big sprint from the 600 metres to the finish post.
It was an excellent condition for him over this distance and highlighted his ability to sustain a strong sprint.
He should get the race run from the middle pin and be incredibly hard to catch with even luck.
Pricing him on a repeat of his last run without factoring in any fitness improvement, he should be an odds-on chance.
Suggested Bet: Sheer Class win at $2.15
pakenham race 3
#2 celsius star
Celsius Star appears for his second career start after making a good impression at Mornington on debut over 1200 metres.
The run deserves plenty of merits, given he was three-wide with no cover on a tight-turning track.
He returns to his home track at Pakenham and will be much fitter for the run.
The ratings from the race and times suggest he sprinted quite sharply when asked for an effort, but the wide run took its toll.
A better barrier and a considerable jockey change with Mark Zahra being booked should see his price firm closer to the jump.
Suggested Bet: Celsius Star win at $4.6
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 2 & 3
pakenham race 6
#7 rusheen
Rusheen has raced in much harder grades than he comes up in here.
He continues to be specked in the markets at long odds, so he must be doing something in his gallops that suggests a win is around the corner.
He comes back a level to provincial grade, and while he has never run over 1400 metres, this race is against much slower horses he has ever faced.
Not too fussed about the wide barrier as he will likely press forward and take up a front-running role.
Suggested Bet: Rusheen each way at $15 the win and $4.2 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 5, 6, 7, 8, 11
pakenham race 8
#9 alverdun
Alverdun is a gelding by Dundeel who will only get better as he reaches 2000 metres and potentially beyond.
His run first-up was a pass mark after running a booming last 400 metres, suggesting plenty more to come here.
Second-up to the mile with the blinkers going on for this stable almost always piques the interest.
Daniel Moor sticks and the middle pole should allow him to kick up and follow Captain Corelli into the race.
If he lands on pace with cover, it will be hard to hold out each way.
Suggested Bet: Alverdun each way at $11 the win and $3.2 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Boxed First Four – 1, 2, 3, 7, 9