The John Shelton-trained Excellero gets his chance to record a maiden win in the Northern Breeders Race Day 3YO Maiden Handicap (1206m) after finishing in the placings in five her six career starts to date.
The daughter of Excellent Art raced on the speed when a 2-1/2 lengths second at Ballina on August 10 and does look suited stepping up in distance.
Kasie Stanley should be able to find the front without spending any energy from barrier three and Excellero should be right at her peak after three runs back from a spell.
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Barley Lad has drawn a double-figure barrier in the Direct Charge @ Oxley Island Thoroughbreds Benchmark 60 Handicap (1406m) but should have little difficulty crossing the field to take up the running.
Barley Lad doesn't win out of turn with just three wins from 28-starts but has been in the placings on a further 15 occasions including five placings from six runs over the Grafton 1400 metres.
Barley Lover's recent racing has been over shorter journeys including a runner-up finish at Coffs Harbour last time out.
The last time Barley Lover raced on his home track at Grafton over the 1400 metres the son of Nidan finished a length second in a benchmark 65 handicap and was just a run short tackling the journey second-up from a break.
Barley Lover should be in peak condition stepping back up to the journey on Thursday and gets his chance to record another win.
H ear Greg Polson's full assessment of Grafton on RSN when he previews the meeting at approximately 10.40am.
Greg uses sectional times provided by Vince Accardi and the team from dailysectionals.com.au