James Squire Hcp (C3)

Vancouver Storm has one win from three starts at Pinjarra Scarpside and draws barrier 1 today, which should allow a soft run in transit. The case leans on the positive track record and good barrier draw. Watch that it's resuming—the horse is 0 from 5 first-up attempts and typically needs a run to find its best.

Shaula draws barrier 2, which should allow a soft passage through the race. However, the main concern is class—this horse is stepping into a field where the overall standard presents a genuine test. Watch whether Shaula can handle the elevated company; the soft barrier alone won't compensate if outclassed on the day.

Artistry In Motion has the T M Wolfe and Jarrad Noske combination, which has struck at 35% above expectation over its last 100 runners—a genuine edge in the partnership's execution. The case leans on this proven trainer-jockey synergy and the strength of the race class. Watch for any signs of peak fitness and whether the horse can translate its connections' form into today's conditions.

Worcester has two wins from three starts at 1700m, which is the main positive here, and Chloe Azzopardi is riding 36% above expectation across her last 100 rides. However, the case is tempered by recent form concerns and a class query, plus the fact Worcester is resuming after a break with a 0-4 record on first-up attempts — it usually needs a run to peak. Blinkers go on for the first time today. The key thing to watch is whether it can turn around that first-up pattern and translate its trip suitability into a competitive showing.

Exquisite Taste is resuming today and has a reliable record fresh, with two placings from three first-up runs. The case leans on that proven ability to perform at the start of a campaign. Watch for whether freshness translates to a winning effort, as recent speed figures and form drivers don't stand out decisively.

Space Academy resumes today with a mixed first-up record (0 from 4 starts) but has shown it strikes once into a preparation (1 win from 4 second-up attempts), suggesting the run will sharpen it up. The decisive factor is that trainer Mack Hall and jockey Brayden Gaerth are operating at 100% above expectation across their last 100 combined runners—a rare edge. Watch the first-up outcome closely; if Space Academy doesn't produce, the pattern suggests backing it next time out may offer better value.

I'm Nipote resumes today with a concerning record first-up (0 from 6) but has shown it can win once into a prep (1 win from 5 starts second-up), so fitness through the race will matter. Blinkers are on for the first time, a sharpening move that warrants close watching as a potential catalyst. The main red flag is recent form — monitor how it settles early and whether the equipment change can unlock the seasoning window it has shown before.

Angel Shame runs for the Kirsten Melis and Rocky Cheung combination, which has struck at 1744% above expectation over their last 100 runners—a genuine edge in execution. The case leans on this proven trainer-jockey synergy. However, class concerns, weight impost, and barrier draw are all working against the horse here, and there is no standout speed figure to suggest it will dominate on the day. Watch whether those structural handicaps prove manageable given the strength of the stable partnership.

Strapping Prophet has placed in both previous fresh campaigns and comes back today off a recent placing, beaten only 2L last start, indicating form is solid. The case leans on reliable freshness record and current racing fitness. The main thing to watch is barrier position, which is flagged as a concern.

Cape Leeuwin carries the quickest recent time figure in the field at 4.3 seconds under track par, and is partnered with in-form jockey Chris Parnham, who is riding 34% above expectation across his last 100 rides — the case leans on that recent speed and jockey form. The main watch is class and barrier depth, which are flagged as concerns; track-and-conditions strength supports, but recent form is a question mark to monitor through the barriers.

Gingers Sister resumes today with jockey Holly Nottle and trainer S J Wolfe, a combination striking at 119% above expectation across their last 100 runners — a genuine edge in the data. The concern is barrier placement, which rates as a real query here. Watch closely: the horse has won just once from four first-up attempts and typically needs a run to hit peak form, so early pace and position will be critical today.

Highly Spoken resumes today with an unproven first-up record—0 from 5 attempts—and typically needs a run to hit stride, which is the main watch. The case leans on the David Philp and Victoria Corver combination, who are striking 40% above expectation across their last 100 runners, suggesting sharp preparation and ride execution. Class and barrier present concerns that will need monitoring, but the trainer-jockey synergy and recent form strength are the key drivers supporting the rating.

Dandy Flirt faces a stiff task from barrier 16 of 17, which will demand a sharp getaway and tactical positioning to stay competitive. Recent form is a concern and argues against confidence, though the main thing to watch is whether the wide draw can be overcome from an already compromised position.