The lightly raced galloper was a well-fancied commodity last start at Gosford. He bolted in,winning impressively.
Rachel King will be aboard State Of America.Getty
The gelding did it on both ends,leading at a strong tempo and then sprinting away from his rivals.
To further the merit of his performance,that race rated highly relative to the day,and the decisive margins throughout confirmed the quality.
All key indicators suggest he has scope to improve again,and the rise in distance is ideal. Moreover,he maps to have all favours and expect a bold showing.
It’s also worth noting trainer David Payne and jockey Rachel King have been a successful partnership when teaming up recently.
Although only a small sample size,the duo has combined for two wins from 16 runners at a profit on turnover of 61.6 per cent.
Charity Spirit had multiple excuses at this track/distance last start and looms as a key danger to the early favourite.
The four-year-old mare is rock-hard fit,and she can rate to win with any luck from the draw.
The run of Island Legend last start had hidden merit,and he is set to peak third-up on Tuesday in the Berkeley Maiden Plate (1400m).
The gelding was posted wide throughout,working in a fast tempo at this track 24 days ago. To his credit,he never shirked his task to the line holding on for fourth.
The overall race time was slick,and the form has since been proven with two subsequent winners.
The Terry Croft-trained galloper has a much more favourable race set-up in this event and maps to have all favours. In addition,he represents value and will take some catching.
Team Hawkes looks to have Poetic Drama primed to run a career-peak figure,and she is on a seven-day backup.
Additionally,the mare receives a gear change and will appreciate the rise to 1400m.
Best Bet: Race 5 Island Legend (2)
Next Best: Race 7 State Of America (7)
Best Value: Race 2 Septime (6)
Supplied by Racing NSW
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