BASIL Marcus desperately battling to retain the jockeys' premiership from the onslaught of Tony Cruz this season looks to the David Oughton stable this evening in his quest to find more winners. Marcus takes the ride on Sure Fire over the minimum equitracktrip in the second event, and will be hoping for a case of deja vu, having won on the Oughton-trained nine-year-old the last time he rode him. Although past his best, Sure Fire still possesses a fair amount of zest over the short sprint, particularly on equitrack. He was only run down near the post over 1,030 metres two starts back when ridden by Mick Kinane who pinched a break at the home turn, to be cut down on the line by Celestial Marshal. He had to work from barrier six to get to the front that day, and ideally drawn in gate two this evening, Marcus should spear him straight to the front.
The consistent Everwell Gain with Felix Coetzee up and Horse Supreme look the main dangers along with Ellen's Voyage which has early speed.