A half-length second in the G1 Epsom behind Happy Clapper (Aus) (Teofilo {Ire}), Tom Melbourne (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) may be one of the outsiders of Chris Waller's four G1 Toorak H. (1600m) runners, but with four consecutive second-placed efforts, beaten less than three parts of a length in each run, the Glen Boss mount has a leading chance.
Dual G1 Oaks winner Egg Tart (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) may well start favourite on Saturday and with two wins from two attempts at the distance, the talented mare who will be partnered by Damien Oliver should ensure another of the Waller runners is in the finish.
With one win from 17 starts, Robbie Laing's So Si Bon (Aus) (So You Think {NZ}) has finished in the top four in six black-type races including at Group 1 level from 1400m to 2500m. Third in the Sir Rupert Clarke S. (1400m) last start, the step up to 1600m on Saturday will favour the 4-year-old.
Successful at Group 1 level over a mile in the Myer Classic during her 3-year-old season, I Am A Star (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) led all the way last start for a success in the G2 Stocks S. on Sept. 29, but from a wide gate here, jockey Ben Melham may have to work some magic to ensure the mare is not trapped wide. Possessing a class edge, however, the talented runner could prove a wild-card at odds.
Another of Waller's who surely is in contention is the Group 2 winner Omei Sword (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}). Third in the G2 Golden Pendant S. at her most recent effort on Sept. 23 with the quinella since coming out and finishing one-two at stakes level again, Omei Sword is yet to race at the distance, but the drop in weight should see her capable of success.
Second to stablemate Santa Ana Lane (Aus) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. (1400m), the Anthony Freedman-trained Mr Sneaky (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) was ready to take the win, only to be run down late after a hot tempo was set up front. If able to get a more cosy run in transit, jockey Dean Yendall could give Freedman another Group 1 victory.
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