Rockhampton | 31st May

Is there a better reason to get out of bed early than a 10:45am start at Rocky? No. There isn't. We're on Soft 5 today for six of the best out of the Beef Capital.

Race 1: 2YO Open Handicap (1100m)

Cryptostar has been to Rocky twice and scored by 6L and 3.5L, and I see no reason why he can't win again today. Obviously I'lltellyougo has won her past four, but she's going to cop more pressure here over 1100m than she has been, and has to carry 1kg more than last start. Wiggo can get this bloke home in the opener.

Race 2: Maiden Handicap (1500m)

One of these horses will break their maiden today, and none of them really deserve to. Pass.

Race 3: Open Handicap (1100m)

I thought Media Empire probably should have won a similar race here a couple of weeks ago when he had no luck behind Exeter and Just Super. He then backed-up and stepped out 1300m and ran okay without troubling the scorer. Back to 1100m suits, he'll land in the one-one and he should be right in the finish.

Race 4: 3YO Handicap (1200m)

Desert Koby is a proper horse. He's no flash price, but I think he's the sort of galloper that can keep improving with each run and progress to open company very quickly.

Race 5: BM60 Handicap (1300m)

Hoping Ash Butler can have a 100% strike rate today and salute on both of his rides in the final two races. Pepperdine has been good winning his past four, three of which have been here at Callaghan Park when leading throughout. Drawn barrier four with 62kg on his back, I'd be shocked if Butler takes any prisoners and tries to hold on late.

Race 6: 0-55 Handicap (1600m)

All The Shops has been crying out for 1600m and he finally gets it today, fifth-up. He's been getting a long way back in his runs, hitting the line strongly and just peaking late, but I think today from the wide draw, Butler can look to be a bit closer than other hoops have been on him. The form out of his last start was all but franked with The Last Saga going down a whisker, while the run before that, Touch Of Gracie has since ran third at Ipswich.

Living Breathing - Race 6 - 1. All The Shops

Selections

Race 1: Cryptostar

Race 2: No Bet

Race 3: Media Empire

Race 4: Desert Koby

Race 5: Pepperdine

Race 6: All The Shops