Flemington

Many punters would be well and truly sick of VERDAD (6) who has now placed in his past six starts, often starting favourite. He ran fresh here over 1400m and hit the line well for third, beaten two lengths. Think 1600m is his best trip, he maps ideally and can repay the faith. ZIRYAB (8) has won both starts this time in, doing it well fresh and backing it up with a tough win as favourite last time at Mornington. He can continue to improve. ARQANA (12) wasn't far away in a very bunched finish here fresh over 1400m. She's a winner over this track and distance and can improve quickly with J Melham taking over. SMOKIN' PRINCESS (2) is in flying form, winning three of four this time in including her past two. Drawn very wide but she is adaptable. UMGAWA (5) needs another win but was close up last time and can figure.