AU - Ballarat - Race 3

SPLIT (1) is a talented jumper who has been in stellar form of late. Followed a win over the obstacles two back at Coleraine with further success at Sandown-Lakeside last time, getting home by 6 lengths. Racing in great heart and is the testing material again despite the whopping 168lbs. ZOOM (4) could be the value runner. Missed the placings two back in a flat event at Warrnambool then appreciated the return to jumps racing when second at Casterton when he really charged late after not getting clear as early as the jockey would have liked. THURMOND (3) defeated Zoom last start and always looked like he had the race in his keeping, but meets him 4lbs worse here. EMBEZZLER (2) was gapped in the Grand National last start, but this is much easier, and he's a genuine hope if he repeats the Coleraine run the start prior. LODBROK (5) ran third behind Thurmond and Zoom last week and while beaten six lengths will again keep whacking away late.