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All eyes will be on Victoria Derby contender Feurza as he attempts to break his ‘duck’ in the 1600-metre Maiden at Broadmeadow on Saturday.

Recognised as the best maiden in the nation, Fuerza has won $223,000 from five placings but is yet to win a race.

The colt was beaten a nose by Australian 2YO of the season Guelph in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick in April.

Second-up from a spell, Fuerza was beaten 4 lengths by War in the Group 3 Up and Coming two weeks back. He will be much fitter on Saturday and will appreciate the step up to the 1600m.

Fuerza is in good hands with Kiwi trainer Bjorn Baker and Chris O’Brien will ride him.

The Kris Lees-trained four-year-old Couch Potato - fitter for two runs from a spell - has bright prospects in Race 3, a Benchmark 60 (1200m).

Couch Potato bolted in first-up at Scone on August 2 and he was held up at a vital stage when third at Scone on August 23. He has been ridden for speed this campaign and he may even lead in this field.

Darren Smith’s speedy mare Hint Of Courage will take some catching in Race 5 the 900 metre Class 1. The mare in her only start displayed brilliant speed to win easily at Cessnock on August 20. She rises sharply in class here but she is promising and very fast.

The in-form Flying Aquila is the one to beat in Race 7 a Benchmark 64 over the testing 2300m. The mare outclassed a maiden field over 2000m at Hawkesbury on August 31 and on that performance the 2300m won’t be a problem.

Gai Waterhouse’s talented 4 year-old Indianapolis resumes in the final event a Benchmark 70 over 1300m and a recent barrier trial performance suggests he is ready to win. Eleven months ago, Indianapolis was beaten a nose by Proverb in the Listed-Dulcify Quality.

My selections for the Newcastle race meeting (Saturday 7th September) are:-

Race 1 - Sparkling Sky (4), Scarlatti (3), Casiroll (1)

Race 2 - Nagini (7), Broadway Bullet (1), Dirasara (2)

Race 3 - Couch Potato (6), Sambow’s Girl (5), Madison County (7)

Race 4 - Tickertape (3), Cyrenia (5), Groomaze (1)

Race 5 - Hint of Courage (9), Noverach (3), Pasadoble (8)

Race 6 - Fuerza (2), Mountain View (NZ) (5), Gold Chip (3)

Race 7 - Flying Aquila (6), Nonevero (1), Count the Chimes (2)

Race 8 - Indianapolis (1), Rose of Scotland (2), Okane (4)