KEY POINTS:
There are many ways you can write a preview for a premier race meeting like the one at Alexandra Park tonight.
You could go heavy on your opinion, making a case for who you think will be the star of the night and why.
Or you can spend hours scouring through statistics and sectional times to provide a more analytical view of what might unfold.
Or you can ring a host of different trainers, pumping them for opinions and relaying them to the readers.
But one look at tonight's awesome Alexandra Park meeting and the gist of today's preview was simple - ring Mark Purdon and ask him to download his thoughts for our readers.
Because the all-conquering trainer holds such a huge hand in tonight's meeting that the biggest upset of the night will be if he doesn't win at least one, probably more, races.
So here, in Purdon's words, is a look at his 12-strong team for tonight.
Race one: "I thought Doctor Mickey had to be hard to beat. The false start upset him last week and he was only all right afterwards.
"But this looks an easier field."
Race two: "Both Amakudari and Asset Rich have better draws than last week, which will help them a lot.
"In saying that, they are both still at the learning stage and aren't the sort of horses who I think will dominate the race.
"Of my two, Amakudari is the better chance because at this stage she might be the better stayer of the pair."
Race three: "Sleepy Tripp is a really nice 3-year-old, not far behind the best ones in my stable.
"He had no luck last start in the Sires' Stakes at Addington but has travelled up here well and I think he will be really hard to beat tonight.
"This is his first really good draw but I think he will have the gate speed to hold the lead. It looks a nice field, though, so he will need to be as good as I think he is."
Race four: "Both my fillies [Imagine Me and Arden's Darlin] are well.
"Imagine Me hung last week but we have put a pole on her in training this week and she has handled that well.
"I think she can win but I think Arden's Darlin deserves a win and might be the better bet.
"She has raced well up here before and I thought she was very tough at Addington last start.
"So I'll go for her on top."
Race five: "Port Courage was good last week and can win but this is a very good field - so luck will play a big part."
Race six: "I think Fight Fire With Fire is our best chance here, even though Reine Guinevere is racing great.
"They can both win but Fight Fire With Fire has the gate speed and likes Alexandra Park.
"The other mare is versatile, though, so it looks a race we can win."
Race 10: "Both my horses [Highview Tommy and Almost A Christian] are well but they could both struggle to beat Stunin Cullen.
"I can see him getting the perfect run and the passing lane and at this level that can make all the difference.
"Of mine though, I'd go for Highview Tommy on top - he has the all-round game and has been most consistent."
Race 11: "Lifeoftheparty trotted really well last week and sticks on so I think the 2700m will suit him.
"If he trots as good this week he will be very hard to beat."
Purdon's best
1: Sleepy Tripp (R3)
2: Lifeoftheparty (R11)
3: Fight Fire With Fire (R6)
