Punting: Veyron tip for Ellerslie

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The stats stack up for Veyron to win today's $70,000 Eagle Technology Stakes at Ellerslie.

The nine wins from 14 Ellerslie starts probably tells you all you need to know, but you can add to that the fact that Veyron is much fitter for four runs back this preparation and that he comes into this race with the most favourable weight advantages he's faced in several seasons.

Veyron might be nine years old, but he has never been overraced and trainer Linda Laing is very happy with him.

Graphic is a good staying type, but with only one run behind him this preparation he is still fresh enough to run a decent 1600m, a distance at which he is unbeaten.

Not many mares win with 59kg, but Chazelle (No1, R1) lines up in a field where there is effectively only a 3kg spread across the line-up, so she is not too badly placed. The wide barrier is a bit of an issue and it will be up to Mark Du Plessis to get her in closer to the rail.

Zeldara (No11, R2) is one of many chances in a maiden distance race.

The Zabeel mare has had only five raceday starts and is still improving. Rasa Lila (No4) looks as though she is going to appreciate this 2100m.

Stratham (No3, R3) failed to measure up in the Stewards Stakes at Riccarton, but this field is a considerable drop back in class. He has the advantage of a perfect barrier draw. Onlyarose (No9) is not the worst.

Soltina (No5, R4) might be worth a look as a fresh-up runner. She has the advantage of the No1 barrier over 1100m. The barrier draw is also going to help Merckx (No2).

The Show (No3, R5) does not have a fresh-up record, but after winning the retired jockeys race at Te Rapa last week, this probably counts as a second-up effort. Storm Bro (No2) can be expected to improve quickly on his first-up fifth.

From what we've seen of Thee Auld Floozie (No6, R6) - unbeaten in two runs this preparation - she is the horse to beat in the $50,000 Trevor Eagle Memorial for the good 3-year-olds.

Trainer Stephen Marsh believes the filly has improved since last racing. Not that this will be easy - there is a stack of emerging talent including the favourite's stablemate Liten Prinsessa (No5), who is two from two. Passing Shot (No1), Ambitious Unicorn (No3), Smarts Encosta (No4) are just three of the other strong chances.

Margin Trader (No10, R7) made a winning debut in Victoria and has been brought here for a look at next year's Derby.

He jumps up to 1600m for his second start and that looks to suit the son of Tavistock. Emily Monk (No12) was upset by rain on the day when beaten here on Melbourne Cup day and can be expected to show something more here.

Ultraviolet (No8, R9) is a decent type who should be ready to show it in her second run back from a break. The slightly wide draw is not ideal and Sam Spratt might take the option to go forward early to get a spot. Tiger Moss (No9) can be right in this at decent odds.