Pro Punter Preview: Sir John Monash Stakes, July 13

• Speed map, runner-by-runner-comments and verdict for the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield

Speed map

Runner-by-runner

1 Jungle Edge (Mick Bell/Michael Poy)

Barrier 14, 58.5kg

Drawn out here which looks an advantage. Ran well two starts ago when allowed to bowl along in front. The wetter the better.

“Jungle Edge in front, loves the mud, eats it for breakfast and wins by a length!”

What else do you say? Jungle Edge LOVES THE MUD! pic.twitter.com/roYBnHof2n

— Racing.com (@Racing) 24 November 2018

2 Malibu Style (Neville Parnham/Chris Parnham)

Barrier 3, 58.5kg

Ran well behind Jungle Edge two starts ago. Returned to best down the straight last start on the quick back-up. Will be thereabouts.

3 Bandipur (Richard Laming/Craig Williams)

Barrier 10, 58.5kg

Consistent type who races well here. Had a short break and returns for new trainer.

4 Ken’s Dream (Maher & Eustace/Jye McNeil)

Barrier 2, 58.5kg

Resumes off long spell. Only one run off previous prep. Has trialled okay but will probably improve with run.

5 Spending To Win (Peter & Paul Snowden/Beau Mertens)

Barrier 8, 58.5kg

Racing okay but needs to improve off recent runs.

6 Oak Door (John Sadler/Ben Melham)

Barrier 11, 58.5kg

Resuming off long spell. Long time since a win, think will improve with run.

7 Hard Empire (Jolly & Jolly/Joe Bowditch)

Barrier 12, 58.5kg

Has good ratings around this distance. Never looked likely last start when couldn’t get to right spot. Drawn out which looks a positive.

8 I Thought So (Peter & Paul Snowden/Luke Currie)

Barrier 13, 58.5kg

Done nothing either run this prep off long spell, albeit on heavy tracks. Happy to risk until it shows something.

9 Heart Conquered (Team Hawkes/Dwayne Dunn)

Barrier 5, 58kg

Racing well on wetter ground, but has performed on drier surfaces. Solid claims here.

10 Princess Of Queens (Price & Kent/Jamie Kah)

Barrier 6, 56.5kg

No luck last start. Given short break. Has run well previously but not sure if going as well here.

11 Miss Norway (John Sadler/Michael Dee)

Barrier 1, 56.5kg

Speedy filly who lacks the class.

12 All About Nicci (Kym Hann/James Winks)

Barrier 7, 56.5kg

Honest mare but rising a lot in class here.

13 Soothing (James Cummings/Linda Meech)

Barrier 4, 56.5kg

Resumes here. Ran well here in the spring without much luck. Resumes off lengthy spell. Doesn’t have to run to best to be competitive here.

14 Crack The Code (Price & Kent/Michael Walker)

Barrier 9, 56kg

Three-year-old filly who resumes here. Good bank of ratings and gets preferred ground.

Verdict

Jungle Edge and Bandipur are on top for me. Value-wise, Jungle Edge is around about the right price and its chances will improve with more rain, so might be the one to watch.