03:30 ballarat Monday 1st September 2025

DANUBE (8) returns from a lay-off of eight months and is having her first run for a new yard. Finished fourth at Mornington over 5f when when resuming last time in work. Fitter for a fifth in a recent trial over 4f at Cranbourne. Makes plenty of appeal in the new surrounds. SPIRIT OF GAIA (4) showed good early speed last start over this journey at this track before finishing second, beaten 1.75 lengths. In the right race and is a key runner. CRYING COUGAR (1) resumes from a lay-off of 11 weeks. Could only manage to finish fourth at the latest run over 5f at Albury. Looks ready to run following a minor placing in a recent Bendigo trial. One of the leading chances. YATCHAW (6) has not raced since her debut on May 11 over 5f at Ballarat when she finished sixth, beaten 5.5 lengths. Better for that run and can improve sharply.