Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky race to assess with a few of these facing the starter for the first time. SAGA'S GIRL (11) is one of them but couldn't have been more impressive winning a recent Doomben trial by a whopping eight lengths and Thornton stays on board for race day. Only needs some luck navigating from the sticky draw to play a major role in the outcome. ANDI DON'T CARE (6) returned in fine fashion with a handy runner-up finish at Ipswich and will have come on with that run now under the belt. Gets 2kg weight relief from the low draw and can go one better against this lot. CONCESSION (4) looked good placing over this track and trip on debut before a less than respectable effort second time at the races. Has since been tipped out for time to furnish and looks a live hope. CIPHERTEXT (8) next in line.
RACE 2 - SILVIO DANTE (4) has placed in both runs this campaign and looks to be nearing a maiden win. Drawn to get a soft run in transit for Rodd from gate two and looks very hard to toss. VIKING BLOOD (5) has placed at his past seven outings and is usually thereabouts. Definite top-three conveyance. IONACELTIC (8) was a touch disappointing last start but go on the solid runner-up finish two back. Keep safe from the Waller camp. STRIKE THE HEART (11) has hit the top five in all four starts to date and is a must for the multiples.
RACE 3 - ECCLESTONE (5) has been right there in both outings over this journey this preparation and will be ready to peak now third-up from the spell. Gets 2kg weight relief with the claim and gets the deadly Gollan/Lang combination. Rates the testing material. RHUVAAL (3) resumes here but has placed first-up before and tuned up for this with a recent trial. Respect if any market confidence. The well-related CHEERFUL CAT (1) (half to NZ G1 winner On The Bubbles) has placed around this circuit and may run a race while fresh. ROCK THE SUNRISE (8) just missed the placings on debut and has since been given time to mature. In the mix.
RACE 4 - FLAG HALL (2) loves this course and distance with a win and a second from just two attempts and will be better for that first-up hit-out. Gets plenty of weight off with the 3kg claim and must be respected from the Freedman stable. Should be right there when the whips are cracking. Former NSW galloper WILD BOTANICA (5) is having her first run for the new stable but the form she showed down south was good enough to feature in a race like this. Drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley and should be going very close while fresh. NORTHERNONTAP (8) has strung two wins together in lesser company and has earned his shot in town now. Saves his best form for this sprint trip and cannot be underestimated. TERMAGANT (9) has won three of five overall, all coming over this five-furlong dash. Should give backers a sight.
RACE 5 - DIABLO BOLT (2) couldn't have been more impressive saluting by a widening seven lengths when resuming and will have derived a stack of confidence from that dominant victory. Is two from two over this distance range and should get all the favours in running from the inside marble. Looks like the one they all have to run down. TEXAS FIREBALL (13) wasn't disgraced in Randwick Highway grade last time out and should find this assignment a touch easier. Ready to peak now fourth-up and can play a role in the outcome. ARTFUL GIRL (7) is a consistent conveyance who has hit the top four at her past eight outings. Has to be included in calculations. VAGUER (10) should be sitting right up on speed and will give backers a sight. MOSZUR (12) is next in line from the Vandyke barn.
RACE 6 - Looks a wide-open affair. SOUTH SEA (3) resumes here but has revved up for this with two recent trial placings and has a win and a placing from two fresh attempts. Gets the services of winning hoop Thornton in the irons and should get a cosy run in transit from gate three. Will be right there when the judge calls a halt. CASPERNOVA (15) loves this distance range with win and three seconds from just four starts and a strong showing while fresh would not surprise. MIST OF DAWN (11) showed ability in her first campaign and any market moves must be noted. BUCKS FIZZ (12) rounds out the selections in a race with plenty of hopes.
RACE 7 - Tough race to close out the card. OCEAN ZAR (6) saves her best form for this track and trip where she has three wins and two placings from just six attempts and will be at peak fitness now fourth-up from the break. Gets plenty of weight relief with the 3kg claim and should be right there at the business end. TRAPEDO (19) shed the maiden tag at the latest effort and will have derived a bunch of confidence from that well-deserved victory. Can go right on with the job now. COUNTER (4) doesn't win out of turn but is usually thereabouts and should be hitting the line with gusto first-up. RUNWITHTHETIDE (2) is sure to be sitting up on speed and will be in this for a long way. GRAND METEOR (14) gets the successful Gollan/Jones combination and can feature from the favourable draw.
