This isn’t the easiest way to begin the evening from a betting perspective and there are several winning chances engaged, but I am going to have something small on Dio.

Dio finished down the order on debut in the Group 2 Silver Slipper, but he was put away after a far better performance when second in the St Albans Stakes.

He again needed his first-up run this time when failing to beat a runner home in the Poseidon Stakes, but I am confident in a vastly improved performance here.

I Like Big Putts scored an impressive win in maiden company at Cranbourne last week and looks capable of beginning her rise through the grades at Flemington The Valley on Friday.

The Cable Bay filly has shown good ability since making her debut, and she only just missed at Geelong when fresh before going one better last time.

I like that she is on the short back-up, and we can have an each-way play at the price.

Sugartown simply doesn’t know how to run a bad race, and this looks the perfect opportunity for her to return to winning form.

The Shamus Award mare was freshened after finishing third in a couple of decent Saturday races at Caulfield, she returned at Sandown in September to finish a close-up second behind Madame Bolli in a BM70 race.

I’m confident that will have brought her right back on, and she’ll take plenty of beating on Friday.

Last-start winner True Marvel can make it two in a row when he steps out at The Valley on Friday night.

The Masked Marvel gelding has continued to improve with each start back this time, culminating in a dominant win in BM78 company at Mornington last time, which saw him greet the judge nearly five lengths ahead of his rivals.

A repeat of that effort and he will be winning again.

They’re always a highlight of the Friday Night Lights programs, and we’ll be treated to another thrilling 55 Second Challenge Heat this week.

This is a drop in class for the consistent Ashford Street, and he looks primed to strike.

Ashford Street has missed placing only once in his last seven trips to the races, and he was unlucky not be nabbed late when third at Flemington last time, having led them out.

With even luck, he’ll take catching again.

He wasn’t particularly inspiring in a better race at Flemington last time, but He’s The Real Deel’s form earlier this prep was nothing short of outstanding, and he can bounce back at The Valley.

The Dundeel gelding won each of his first two back from a spell this time, highlighted by a five-length domination at Sandown in August, and he was unlucky not to get there in a BM70 contest two back.

He is rock-hard fit for this assignment, and he is my best bet on the program.

Linsday Smith looks to have another promising one on his hands in Aspen Colorado, and the horse can continue his rise through the grades at The Valley on Friday.

Aspen Colorado has made just three appearances at the races so far, but her returned from a break to finish a credible fourth at The ‘Bool before breaking his maiden at Casterton last time.

Fitter third-up, he can fight out the finish again.

Redeel kept on well to fill the minors Bendigo when resuming, and she can win the last at The Valley.

The Dundeel mare has returned several nice performances throughout her career, and she is drawn to receive every chance this week under claiming apprentice Alana Kelly.