The Maiden Plate at Grafton over 1006 metres has kicked off on soft going with fine weather. Denny Cee sits shortest in the market, followed by Dream Invader, then Parting The Seas and Harvey's Turn. The race has already jumped. Three leaders will battle early — Dream Invader, Parting The Seas, and General Dancer — with the battle shaping up in the front half of the track.
Dream Invader rates a real chance. Ben Looker's runner has the gate speed to lead from barrier five and the form suggests he's ready to step up. His last start at Coffs Harbour came home third in a maiden over similar ground, closing late after surrendering the lead. The comment flags he's got positive form to draw from and may take another step. He sits second in the market for good reason. Harvey's Turn is worth considering — Daniel Smith takes the ride from barrier seven, and while the form shows a couple of mid-field efforts, the last-up fourth at Newcastle came over shorter ground. Fresh and third-up, he maps onpace and could be a value angle if overlooked.
Parting The Seas resumes after 33 weeks and deserves respect. Justin P Stanley has drawn gate one, a huge plus for this shape, and the form leading in shows a win at first-up across his record. The comment suggests he can produce a run fresh and maps for a sweet passage in this company. Denny Cee tops the market but this is a first start after an encouraging barrier trial at Lismore. He's half brother to a Lismore winner, and the trial form looks positive, though the initiation looks tough. The talent could be there — follow the money.