Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - CELTIC ROSE (8) just missed three times at Launceston before wilting late in proceedings there last time. Comes back to a shorter sprint freshened and keeps the handy 2kg claim. Rates best and appeals most. ALPINE DAME (7) debuts and has looked sharp at the trials. Has a sticky gate but Newitt's booking is a positive lead. CAUGHT ALIGHT (3) made ground beaten 1L here first-up good and can build on that. Maps well and the 3kg claimer stays aboard. SH'BOURNE GLORY (6) has been knocking on the door and has been kept on the fresh side. The speedy mare can use the rails barrier and she can't be ruled out.
RACE 2 - I'M CHEV (3) was backed off the map first up and didn't finish it off. Fitter now and Newitt goes aboard. Rates best and the longer sprint should suit. LOVES THE TRIP (5) resumed in the same race with a solid effort and can improve quickly stepping up to 1350m. Her Hobart effort three-back would see her right in the finish. ROLLING IN IT (6) is a leader and is better than the formline suggests. Gets in well with the 3kg claim and will be around the mark. KISSED BY MIST (7) settled well back here and hit the line hard beaten 1L. She can sit closer today and keeps the handy 2kg claim. Fitter and deserves consideration.
RACE 3 - SKY LAND (10) is a speedy galloper who deserved her heavily bet Maiden win at Hobart. Keeps Newitt and the longer sprint shouldn't bother. She races forward and can take the next step. CARNELIAN ROCK (2) found one better beaten 1.5L over this distance having his first start on the synthetic. Maps for a soft run and he's a chance to go one better. DADANDHISGIRLS (1) was heavily backed second-up but succumbed late after leading. He'd won his Maiden comfortably on debut and is likely to be ridden more conservatively over the longer sprint. Draws low and keeps the 3kg claim. BAYBOUGG (8) resumed in the same contest and needed the run. She has plenty up her sleeve and gives the impression the longer sprint will suit.
RACE 4 - ELEGANTLY WRITTEN (8) missed the hat-trick over a mile at Hobart and has been freshened 45 days. She has won 2/2 this distance and has her first start on the synthetic. She can use the inside barrier and bounce back. EXALTED CROWN (3) has the ability but drops back 450m in trip on a 7-day return. He is likely good enough to manage and the on-pacer draws low. CORNELIAN BAY (7) had no luck here from a wide gate but the form prior was solid. His best form would see him in the finish. GEE GEE CAN WIN (4) just missed here and then delivered the 60 win at Longford. Has a handy 2kg claim and is well in the mix.
RACE 5 - LIKEAKALIX (5) brings promising form to peak. Missed a whisker over a mile building on his Maiden win - heavily bet both. Finishes hard and the extra metres should prove ideal. THE PRAYER (3) bounced back winning a 68 this track/trip. Posted a strong figure relative and Newitt takes over from the 3kg apprentice. She will run it right out. TUSKEGEE (6) led and won the Likeakalix contest. Will use the inside gate and keeps the handy 3kg claim. He will give a sight. LAUNNIE NIGHTS (4) drops back 220m and his last two starts have been in tougher grade. He's up to this and gets in well with the 2kg claim.
RACE 6 - Competitive. INTISAR (1) was plainer last time but was an easy winner this grade prior. She has a 3kg claimer aboard today and presents at peak fitness. A decent chance to bounce. POWER MAGNUM (6) resumes with a 3kg claim and is proven fresh. Brings a solid trial placing and he's won x4 at this track. The betting will be key. Stablemate WARICA (3) tumbles in grade. He was much better last start and Newitt replaces the 3kg apprentice. Maps well and should be right in it. STARS IN THE NIGHT (8) rates well but prefer her more on the turf. Deserves plenty of consideration regardless.
RACE 7 - A $109,000 feature. BEAST MODE (2) resumes for a top Victorian barn. The speedy galloper has won 2/3 first-up and has a clear ratings edge. He will run along and he just has to manage the synthetic to take beating. DURAZZO (7) has won 5/7 and has been kept fresh again. He was an easy victor at his only start at this track and Newitt is a key jockey engagement. Uses an inside barrier and is hard to knock. AND BEYOND (4) spiked his figures winning the Listed Conquering Stakes over 1400m. He has won 3/4 at this track but has to come back 391m briefly freshened. Maps well and can't be ruled out. ALPINE WOLF (6) resumes and flies on the fresh side. He has won 3/4 this track/distance and has the blinkers back on. He'll settle back and come hard late.
RACE 8 - The $125,000 Devonport Cup. CARTOON GRAVEYARD (5) spiked his figures when beaten just 1.3L in the Listed Tasmanian Guineas over a mile. Hard fit to run out the extra 280m and he tumbles 5kgs. He races forward and placed his only start here. Just has to hold the form to take beating. ASHY BOY (6) won this race last year and started as a short-priced favourite here second-up but disappointed. He's proven third-up and x2 winning rider Newitt is reunited. Gets the blinkers again and a much sharper effort is likely. KALIUWAA FALLS (3) won this track/trip at the back of his previous preparation and ran his best figure last start beaten 3L in the Tasmanian Guineas. Needs a good ride but hits this contest at peak and is an each-way hope. SWOOP DOG (2) just missed over 1800m at Longford in a return to form. He's won and placed twice in this race and looks primed to race well again. HYPE (1) would be some chance finding his best form.
RACE 9 - LISPECTOR (4) resumed in good order and then impressed easily winning a CL1 on the turf. She's won this course/trip and briefly freshened is well-placed to repeat the dose. GEEGEES CITY BOY (2) won a 60 here finishing hard. Draws an inside barrier today and can fight out the finish. TURK BOY (1) won this grade at Hobart first-up when expected to need the outing. He's proven second-up and has claims again. CAPTAIN CAM (3) resumes and performs fresh. Owns a trial win and winning rider Newitt is reunited. The betting will be key.
