By MICHAEL GUERIN
Punters have 250,000 reasons to pay attention when Mark Purdon says Perfect Seelster should win at Alexandra Park tonight.
The juvenile looks one of the few anchors in the $250,000 Pick Six and New Zealand's leading trainer is confident.
"He looks the best horse in the race and was a victim of circumstances last start," said Purdon.
"He has trained on well and I think he will be handy early, if not in front, from where he will be hard to beat."
Perfect Seelster may be just the kickstart punters need. He meets inexperienced rivals in the first leg and his first-up run for second was a stunner after being dragged back to last. A win at the workouts last Saturday confirmed his position as an anchor tonight.
But after that things get a bit tougher.
Second leg: Sheezadoosie could give Purdon a double after an enormous run behind open class mare Natural Glow last start.
"Being on the unruly helps her and I think she is good enough to settle last and still be the one to beat."
Marli Majic appears a danger, especially with James Stormont taking the drive, while Locanda's Mac is consistent. Auroch, who paced early last week, looks the value while MacPherson's manners will take him a long way.
Verdict: Good leg to go wide and hope for the upset.
Third leg: Big test for Dunham, who continues to strengthen, but faces his first stand tonight.
"I think he will handle it all right because he is a sensible horse and I was happy with his run last week. He can win," said co-trainer Doug Gale.
Halford Atom has finally returned to his best form but trainer Steven Reid has concerns over the start.
"He went huge last week but he was a touch lucky to keep pacing early in the Winter Cup," said Reid.
"But I think if he steps he is just about a good thing."
Surprise Addition has great manners, which should ensure him an economical run. Hanover Zip will also appreciate the return to a standing start but how much of his handicap he makes up early will be crucial.
Verdict: Dunham, Halford Atom and Surprise Package in three. Hanover Zip the roughie.
Fourth leg: Four scratchings have thrown this wide open, with likely favourite Magic Loch now drawn one on the second line.
"He should be improved by his run last week but unless Tool Time gets out fast in front of him he could have problems," said trainer Barry Purdon. "But I rate him the better of my two."
Lord Kennington has had some gear changes after an encouraging debut last week and is best drawn of the hotshots while Barcode has gone two big races in his last two starts.
Tool Time staged a huge run in the middle stages before being caught last week and the start will be crucial.
Verdict: Another leg where you may need to go widish, based around those four with Ezy Dell the giant killer with a quiet run.
Fifth leg: Could just about be an anchor in Grieco.
Very pacey youngster who clashed with a smarty in Montreal fresh last start. Paced last 800m in 57 seconds on that occasion and has the gate speed to lead here, from where he is set to control the race.
Sweet Southern Susie has been going good races from bad draws and has a new driver in James Stormont, while Slippery Sam, poorly drawn, was fourth in a strong field last start.
Verdict: Grieco a clear top pick. Sweet Southern Susie and Slippery Sam for the odds and Cavalier Ace and Shardon's Karen if you are spending plenty.
Sixth leg: Watch out for Falcon Scooter. He looked Derby material last campaign and has had a good workouts base for his resumption. Is tough enough to overcome his draw.
Another smart 3-y-o is Smooth Acquisition, who looked back to his best with a booming second here last week. Has a better draw this time and will be handy, possibly even in front, for young gun driver Mark Jones.
Innocent Trickster recovered well after breaking at Cambridge last week and loves this track while Montmatre was a gutsy fourth after being three wide for the last 1200m here last start and is drawn to get a good run through.
Verdict: The 3-year-olds should dominate, with Innocent Trickster and Montmatre the value in the race and Legal Agent, who galloped from a stand last week, the bolter.
Racing: Seelster perfect anchor
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