With impressive victories in both runs since resuming as a 4YO, FINAL DEADLINE (1) finds the perfect gate to maintain the perfect start to 2026. Zipping home in 54.6 to score from the tapes when resuming, his second up win has been franked by two subsequent Saturday winners in the beaten brigade. Looks like it will be a time and margins situation.

BASILISK BOB (6) made an error when taking on the fav three starts back and finished at the rear of the field. Producing a strong effort at his next outing when under 3m from the winner LANAI, he was luckless last time behind FERNCO NEL and despite the gate looks best of the rest.

EXPRESS PARTY (7) worked forward to sit parked and deliver a starchy victory last time out at the mile. Runner-up over the middle trip two starts back, the gate makes it a tough assignment.

RESILIENT (9) sprouted wings to score an unlikely victory here two starts back when buried on the fence. Holding 3rd behind FERNCO NEL last time, a soft trip can see him make a late raid.

SELECTIONS: FINAL DEADLINE (1), BASILISK BOB (6), EXPRESS PARTY (7), RESILIENT (9)
SUGGESTED BET: Exotics 1 / 6-7-9 / 3-4-6-7-9