RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: HAROLD SMITH (7) is a very smart former New Zealand trotter, which makes his Australian debut for leading trainer Emma Stewart. His trial form has been fairly good without being brilliant but he was taking on the elite trotters across the Tasman so he must be rated highly. KEAYANG STUKA (6) worked forward to find the lead, copped plenty of pressure mid-race and ran a great race for second behind the top mare Rockinwithattitude at Melton two starts ago. He performed well below his best form in a heat of the South Australian Cup last outing but he boasts an exceptional record at Melton so he is worth another chance. IMPERIAL MONARCH (8) gets into this race nicely with a concession claim and he ran a handy race for fifth in the Delvin Dancer Classic at his latest attempt. He should be finishing off strongly from his trailing draw. EL RESAMO (3) led throughout in two impressive victories prior to a fourth behind Aldebaran Vera. He is ideally drawn and will take catching if he is able to find the lead again. AVANT GUARD (1) is trotting in peak form and is drawn to receive every chance. EARLY SPEED: 3 (likely leader), 1,2,6 RATINGS: 6,7/ 8/ 3/ 1/ 5