It’s not the first time Military Zone has been a sectional star either. In beating subsequent group 3 winner Danawi last preparation at Randwick, Military Zone ran a final 600m of 32.99s, which was two lengths superior to anything else in the race. His last 200m was a dominant 11.03s. That was just the horse’s third start too. He is a talented animal.

On the subject of sectional times, nobody missed the fast-finishing second from Aloisia in the group 2 Villiers Stakes a fortnight ago. The group 1-winning Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained
mare, set to line up in the $160,000 group 3 Gosford RSL Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m), clocked 12.02s for her last 200m which was two lengths quicker than the next best, My Nordic Hero.

There is no denying the class of Aloisia but the wide Randwick straight is a far cry from the tighter 250m straight at Gosford. Jockey Brenton Avdulla will no doubt be tasked to have the four-year-old closer in the run from barrier 3.

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Hussterical is one of Aloisia’s rivals in the race and punters shouldn’t be too quick to discount the free-rolling mare. She certainly had her chance last start, with Punters Intelligence revealing her first 800m split was the slowest of all four 1400m races on the day (48.12s). That gave her the chance to win from the front but, unlike Aloisia, Gosford will suit her style. Expect her to pinch a mini break as they turn for home and she’ll take pegging back.