Ryan Phelan's Tuesday best at Shepparton (26/05)

OVERVIEW: EYE SEE PHILTRA (1) never got clear here last week in stronger grade, making that run a complete forgive. He returns to a draw where he can utilise his gate speed over the short trip, conditions that suit him best and allow him to run time. His driver is in good form and should give him every chance from the pole. SHARP INTEREST (2) had no luck here last start when dragged back through the field behind a tiring runner, before working home solidly once clear. Her two runs prior to that from a spell were very strong, and from the favourable draw she has options. HELLOVATIME (8) has been ultra-consistent, finishing top two in all seven runs this season. If he lands leaders back, he’s a winning chance, while three pegs still makes him a solid place hope. CELESTIAL ZODIAC (12) drops sharply in grade from recent Melton assignments where he’s been racing well, although the draw makes things difficult.

BACK: EYE SEE PHILTRA (1) – 1 unit (win)

SELECTIONS: EYE SEE PHILTRA (1), SHARP INTEREST (2), HELLOVATIME (8), CELESTIAL ZODIAC (12)

OVERVIEW: OKTOLOVE (5) has been excellent at his past two starts, highlighted by last week’s effort when sitting parked from a wide draw and sticking on bravely. He gets the same trip here but from a much kinder draw, allowing him to press forward and potentially lead. This looks an ideal set-up. IAMAWINGATE (7) goes from the back row to the front, albeit from a wide gate, but that’s still an advantage against this opposition. His form this season has been solid, and this presents as a winnable race. JOEYS HANGOVER (1) gets a soft draw to map favourably and has shown improvement at his past few runs despite still being winless this season. MYNAMEISRUBY (9) finally broke through last week with an all-the-way victory and has now placed in 11 of 14 starts this season.

BACK: OKTOLOVE (5) – 1 unit (win)

SELECTIONS: OKTOLOVE (5), IAMAWINGATE (7), JOEYS HANGOVER (1), MYNAMEISRUBY (9)

OVERVIEW: ALDEBARAN JAZMINE (3) won on debut and has since been consistently competitive in strong company, regularly finishing close up. Resuming this campaign, she chased home the NSW Derby winner before having no luck in the NSW Oaks last start. This looks an ideal race for her to lead and win. ALDEBARAN ZANE (10) broke through for his maiden victory here last week at his first run for the new stable. The draw makes this assignment trickier, but a repeat performance puts him right in the mix. SHINELIKETHESUN (4) has threatened to win more races than she has and clearly has ability. With the right run she can go close. FARSTAR (9) won an easier race here two starts ago and trails through reasonably to be a place hope.

BACK: ALDEBARAN JAZMINE (3) – 3 units (win)

SELECTIONS: ALDEBARAN JAZMINE (3), ALDEBARAN ZANE (10), SHINELIKETHESUN (4), FARSTAR (9)

OVERVIEW: MUSSEL SHOALS (9) generally produces her best when leading, but the back-row draw isn’t overly concerning against her own sex. She trails through behind a good beginner and shouldn’t be too far away in what looks a genuinely run race early. ALCATRAZ GIRL (4) is a quick beginner, although she’ll have to earn the lead with several speedy runners drawn nearby. She won three starts ago when leading and her recent form stacks up strongly even if she doesn’t find the top. POLLY PEACHUM (3) also has a say in the speed map and enjoys the shorter trip when able to position prominently, though she doesn’t win out of turn. ELIZAJANE (8) draws awkwardly but drops in grade and can finish off hard if the breaks come.

SELECTIONS: MUSSEL SHOALS (9), ALCATRAZ GIRL (4), POLLY PEACHUM (3), ELIZAJANE (8)

OVERVIEW: TALISKER SKIPPER (9) looks well placed despite the back-row draw, benefitting from the preferential draw conditions in a small field. He has won two of his past three starts and the defeat in between came in a strong form race. This looks highly suitable. ICANMOTOR (1) gets a favourable draw in a suitable race and has a strong record at this track. With the right run he can be strong late. WHERES WOOD WOOD (8) won from this draw two starts ago thanks to a clever drive and is racing well enough to figure again with luck. CRESCO THREEPEAT (5) looks close to another win after two solid closing efforts, though he may need to work again from this gate.

SELECTIONS: TALISKER SKIPPER (9), ICANMOTOR (1), WHERES WOOD WOOD (8), CRESCO THREEPEAT (5)

OVERVIEW: WINGATE GUY (4) won here last month defeating the heavily backed Hez Harrywho, and has since been competing in stronger races, which explains his numerical form. His best is superior to most of these, though the draw is tricky. If he gets the right trail into the race, he can unleash a strong sprint. HEZ HARRYWHO (1) showed signs of his best form last time when placed here after a string of indifferent efforts. His top performances generally come when Herbertson can lead over the short trip, although he hasn’t won since last August. LORIMERMAJOR (8) maps to trail the leader and should get his opportunity up the passing lane. He put together back-to-back wins earlier in the year when racing handy. BET SHEZA LADY (3) hasn’t shown her best in two runs this prep, but if she reproduces last campaign’s form, she’s right in the finish.

SELECTIONS: WINGATE GUY (4), HEZ HARRYWHO (1), LORIMERMAJOR (8), BET SHEZA LADY (3)

OVERVIEW: JILLIBY TOPGUN (8) has produced his most consistent preparation to date and was solid last time despite doing work in the run. He drops in grade here and gains the services of in-form concession driver Liam Older. Expect him to ease early before working into the race at the right time. LITTLE TEDEY (4) has been racing well when able to be saved for one run and was a little unlucky not to finish closer at Bendigo last start. TAKEN BY WINE (3) won well in maiden company two starts ago when leading and sprinting away. He hasn’t quite backed that up since, but the distance suits. SAINT EYES (6) caused an upset at Bendigo four runs ago and the form out of that race has held up nicely, though the draw is awkward.

SELECTIONS: JILLIBY TOPGUN (8), LITTLE TEDEY (4), TAKEN BY WINE (3), SAINT EYES (6)

OVERVIEW: MISS KOMMUNICATION (4) looks to have found her race after finishing runner-up in three of her past four starts. Her break two starts ago was out of character and generally her manners are superior to most of these. She deserves favouritism and looks the horse to beat. GALHALLA (1) showed ability on debut despite galloping early, making the inside draw slightly concerning. The horses that beat him home would likely win this race, so if he does everything right and improves from that run, he’s the main threat. GREAT HORIZON (3) is one of the more reliable trotters in the field and while she hasn’t threatened to win, her manners keep her in calculations. ALDEBARAN DENBAY (8) looked set to press for the lead before galloping last week. The tempo then slackened, making it difficult to recover, but he’s worth keeping safe.

BACK: MISS KOMMUNICATION (4) – 3 units (win)

SELECTIONS: MISS KOMMUNICATION (4), GALHALLA (1), GREAT HORIZON (3), ALDEBARAN DENBAY (8)

OVERVIEW: CAMERINA (2) was sent out a short-priced favourite to break her maiden last start and had genuine excuses. She over-raced after contacting the sulky with her hind legs and it was no surprise to see her weaken late. Her prior form was very good and she’s worth another chance. DIAMONDONTHEROCKS (7) led and faded here last week despite market support. There have been glimpses of ability and improvement wouldn’t surprise. ITS JUST RUBY (3) was well backed on debut before dropping out, although she suffered a flat tyre in the run and is worth forgiving. CARBARGO MILLY (4) placed four starts ago but has been safely held since. This is not a strong race, and she can improve with the right trip.

BACK: CAMERINA (2) – 2 units (win)

SELECTIONS: CAMERINA (2), DIAMONDONTHEROCKS (7), ITS JUST RUBY (3), CARBARGO MILLY (4)