Bondi Business has shown me enough consistency to suggest he's ready to break through here. Third at Bunbury over this trip behind Pearl King, beaten less than two lengths, and that form has been franked with the winner going on to run well in subsequent starts. The second placing at Belmont over 1000m, beaten just over a length by Shilling Lane, is also solid form given that horse won last start.

The wide gate is a concern with Jason Whiting needing to make a decision early, but the removal of the tongue tie for the first time might be the gear change that unlocks improvement. I think he's got the class edge over this field.

Diamond Choux ran a narrow second to Can't Catch Me at Belmont last start, beaten half a length, and that winner has since franked the form. From barrier seven, Chris Parnham should get a comfortable run in transit. She's clearly competitive at this level.

Arrangement has placed in two of three trials, most recently running second at Lark Hill beaten just 0.12 lengths. The trial form suggests readiness, and the addition of a Norton bit and tongue tie for the first time indicates connections are looking for improvement. Michael Grantham wouldn't be making gear changes without reason.

Final Flush drops back from Listed class where she was absolutely belted, finishing 18.93 lengths from the winner. But two starts back she ran second at Bunbury over this trip, beaten 1.26 lengths by Luna Ascending. The class drop is significant, and with blinkers going on for the first time, there's a chance she bounces back. I'm not convinced the drop in grade is enough given how poorly she went last start.

I think Bondi Business has the strongest form credentials here. If Jason Whiting can overcome the wide gate, he should prove too strong.

The speed map shows three likely leaders in Jesa Lupa, Oscars No Grouch, and I'm Back Baby, which should set up a decent tempo. Jesa Lupa gets blinkers for the first time and draws the inside gate, which is a massive advantage given his racing pattern. William Pike taking the ride is the clincher for me.

His form reads consistently: fourth at Bunbury beaten 1.85 lengths, fifth at Bunbury beaten 2.9 lengths, fifth at Pinjarra beaten two lengths. He's been knocking on the door without quite getting there, but the addition of Pike and the blinkers suggests connections think he's ready. I'm backing him to break through.

Oscars No Grouch won a Lark Hill maiden last start and ran third at Belmont before that, beaten 1.42 lengths by Can't Catch Me. That's solid form, and Graeme Ballantyne has him primed. The concern is the speed map suggests he'll be caught three-wide from barrier six trying to lead, which isn't ideal over 1400m.

Leafice has placed in three of six starts, most recently running third at Bunbury beaten 4.6 lengths. That's not a particularly strong effort, and I'm not convinced the form stacks up against the top two here. Chris Parnham is a positive, but the form simply isn't good enough.

Extreme Ruler ran second at Bunbury last start beaten 1.65 lengths, which is his best recent effort. But he's had 18 starts for no wins, and I'd be genuinely shocked if he suddenly found winning form here against stronger opposition.

I think Jesa Lupa with Pike aboard is the horse to beat. The blinkers and inside gate are significant positives, and his recent form suggests he's ready to win.

This is a race where the form lines are thin and I'm not particularly excited about getting involved. Bondi Lifesaver won last start at Belmont over 1000m, but this is a significant step up to 1200m and a move into handicap company. Neville Parnham clearly rates him, putting blinkers on for the first time, but I'm not convinced a maiden winner is the answer in a handicap at his third start.

I'm A Soulman won a Lark Hill maiden two starts back, then ran tenth at Belmont beaten 5.23 lengths. That last run was poor, and while the Lark Hill win shows he has ability, the consistency isn't there. He's had four starts for two placings and a win, all against moderate opposition.

Wayfinder ran sixth at Belmont last start beaten just under three lengths, and two starts back ran second beaten 0.44 lengths by New Target. William Pike takes the ride, which is a significant positive, and the blinkers stay on. She's shown enough to suggest she's competitive at this level.

Spellborn ran second last start at Belmont beaten 0.28 lengths by Bondi Lifesaver, so there's a direct form line there. The ear muffs go on for the first time, which suggests connections are looking for improvement. Steven Parnham is a capable rider who should give him every chance.

The speed map shows limited pace with only Lucky Lea likely to lead, which could disadvantage closers. I think Wayfinder with Pike is the most interesting runner given the form and the jockey booking, but there's very little separating the top four and I'm happy to watch this one.

Shilling Lane won at Belmont last start over 1000m and has won two of his last three starts. The 24-day break is a slight concern, but William Pike taking the ride and the addition of front pads suggests Steele Casey has him primed for this. His form is clearly superior to this field.

He's beaten Bondi Business and run second to Dialling in restricted company, which is a higher level than most of these have competed at. The handicap rating of 62 confirms he's the class runner here. I think he wins.

Vivalda won at Belmont two starts back, then ran sixth at Ascot beaten 6.13 lengths in open company. That last run was poor, but the Belmont win shows she has ability. Lucy Fiore is capable, and from barrier ten she'll need luck in running. I'm not convinced she's good enough to beat Shilling Lane.

Maythisbetheone has placed in four of six starts, most recently running third at Bunbury beaten 0.89 lengths. She's incredibly consistent without winning, and the addition of pacifiers for the first time suggests connections are trying something different. But I've seen this story before with maidens who place repeatedly without winning. I'd be surprised if she suddenly breaks through here.

King Brew ran second last start at York beaten 0.18 lengths, which is solid form. He's had limited starts and could improve, but I think the top two have him covered on form.

Two Like Her won a Lark Hill maiden last start, but that was against just six runners and the form doesn't stack up against metropolitan maidens. I couldn't be less interested in her chances here.

Shilling Lane is the standout. Pike aboard, proven form, and a class edge make him very hard to beat. If you're trying to oppose him, you're doing it for the sake of not backing a favourite.

The speed map is absolutely brutal here. Twelve runners are mapped to lead or sit on the pace, which is going to create an absolute demolition derby up front. This sets up perfectly for horses with tactical speed who can sit just off the mayhem and pounce.

Midnight Star has placed twice over this trip, most recently running third at Geraldton beaten 1.91 lengths by Cateran. Before that, she ran fourth at Bunbury beaten 2.45 lengths by Luna Ascending, and fifth at Bunbury beaten 2.12 lengths in a race won by Morf. The form is solid, and Chris Parnham is a significant positive. The addition of blinkers for the first time suggests Michael Grantham thinks she's ready to break through.

From barrier eight, Parnham can slot in behind the speed battle and let them tear each other apart. I think she's the most logical horse given the likely pace scenario.

Wynn Las Vegas is the favourite off a fourth at Pinjarra last start, beaten just over a length. William Pike takes the ride, which is always a positive, and the switch from winkers to blinkers suggests connections are fine-tuning the gear. But he's mapped to be caught up in the early speed battle from barrier five, which concerns me given the number of runners wanting to lead.

Flying Maradona ran sixth at Pinjarra last start beaten 2.73 lengths, which is moderate form. He's had limited starts and could improve, but I'm not convinced he's good enough to beat the top two.

Rare Honor ran a narrow second here last start beaten 0.27 lengths, which is solid form at this track. He's placed twice at Pinjarra over 1600m, so the track and distance suit. Lisa Staples is capable, and he maps to lead from barrier two. The concern is whether he can sustain the pace given how many others want to lead.

I think Midnight Star is the most interesting runner given the pace map. Parnham can sit off the speed, let them kill each other, and run over the top of them. She's my top pick.

Gangster Goddess is the favourite off a third at Pinjarra last start beaten less than a length. She won at Belmont before that, so she's clearly in form. William Pike takes the ride and blinkers go on for the first time, which are both positives. But I think she's way too short in the market given this is only her fourth start and she's stepping up in grade.

Eternal Wine won at Bunbury last start over 1000m, beating Blue Can Talk and Mantua. That form looks solid, and she's clearly improved since returning from a spell. Chris Parnham is a capable rider who should give her every chance from barrier six. I think she's better value than the favourite.

Housewife won at Lark Hill last start in a 0-71 race, which is a lower grade than this. But she's won three races from twelve starts and Grant & Alana Williams clearly rate her. The wide gate is a concern, and the addition of blinkers for the first time suggests they're looking for improvement. I'm not convinced she's good enough to beat the top two, but she's not without a chance.

Mighty Hosanna ran third at Belmont last start beaten 1.38 lengths, which is solid form. She's placed three times from thirteen starts, which suggests she's competitive without being a standout. The apprentice claim helps with the weight, but I think the top two have her covered.

Rise To Glory ran fourth at Ascot last start beaten 1.38 lengths, which is decent form. He won a Belmont 0-71 race five starts back, so he has ability. But the consistency isn't there, and I'd be surprised if he figured in the finish.

I think Eternal Wine is the value runner here. She's in form, the distance suits, and Parnham is a positive. Gangster Goddess is too short for mine given the step up in grade.

Reconnaissance ran third here last start beaten 1.8 lengths, and before that ran fourth at Belmont beaten 1.52 lengths. Two starts back he won at Albany by a comfortable margin, which shows he has the ability to win at this level. Darren McAuliffe has him racing consistently, and the seven-day backup suggests he's thriving.

The concern is the short price given he's had eight starts for two wins. But the form is solid, and I think he's the most reliable runner in this field. I'm not enthusiastic about backing him given the odds, but I can't make a strong case against him either.

Too Much Talk ran fourth at Belmont last start beaten 2.38 lengths, and before that ran fourth at Ascot beaten just under two lengths. He's placed six times from 22 starts, which suggests he's competitive without being a standout. Zephen Johnston-porter takes the apprentice claim, which helps with the weight. I think he's a genuine each-way chance.

Golden Kathleen ran a narrow second at Belmont last start beaten 0.19 lengths, which is solid form. She's placed five times from 25 starts, so she's clearly competitive at this level. The apprentice claim helps, but I'm not convinced she's good enough to beat Reconnaissance.

Run Pattie Run ran fourth at Belmont two starts back beaten 2.87 lengths, which is moderate form. She won at Bunbury six starts back, so she has ability. But the consistency isn't there, and I think the top three have her covered.

I think Reconnaissance is the horse to beat, but I'm not excited about the price. Too Much Talk is the value each-way option if you're looking for something at longer odds.