AU - Port Macquarie - Race 4

DUBALENE (9) caught the eye late in the piece to get up for third in a comparable race to this at Grafton two back. Went up to 7f last start and made less impact. Beautifully drawn and looks tough to beat back in a more suitable race. TOO HOT TO TORQUE (3) is the obvious danger. Started odds-on when resuming over a shorter trip at Ballina last time but found one a bit slicker. Scored by a cool 4.4 lengths when second-up over today's journey last prep. This looks a lovely set-up. STORM MERCHANT (4) met with heavy support but after leading for home found a couple better when resuming recently over 5f at Grafton. New to this trip but is lightly raced and deserves the benefit of the doubt. Key runner with the help of the inside alley. WHISPERING RUPERT (5) did a reasonable job first-up from a short break at Gosford last start. Can kick on with that run under the belt. OAKFIELD NEPTUNE (2) is back from a nine-month spell. Showed ability in the maiden prep so must be kept safe.