Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BLUE VEIN (1) won a couple of trials before finishing third as favourite on debut at Randwick when having a tough trip early on. How he found the line that day was impressive and with a big swing in his draw this time, he will be hard to hold out. VETWELVE (2) ran on strongly once he was balanced up in the home straight and finished runner-up, just over a length from the winner. He will improve with more racing and should be right in the finish again. SUNSHINE LAW (4) got back early on after missing the kick when resuming from a spell nearly 2 weeks ago. She made up a lot of ground over the concluding stages that day and only has to begin with them here, to be an each-way threat again. CITY GOLD BANNER (3) is on debut and was a recent trial winner at Rosehill. Watch closely.
RACE 2 - RAILWAY MAN (3) was only clear over the concluding stages when resuming from a spell at Canterbury nearly 4 weeks ago and finished fourth. He is likely to be settled one off the fence this time and will have ample time to work into the clear to mount his challenge. Hard to beat this time. BELIEVE IN ANGELS (1) was bought out of NZ after winning 3 trials and made an encouraging debut at Wyong when finishing runner-up. He is bred to improve with more racing and from the pole position, he can go one better. OUR LITTLE STAR (5) finished sixth in the same race as the second pick when starting favourite and did not round off her effort as well as expected. Her connections will be hoping that the step up to 1200m will help and she is worth another chance. Follow your money. POMBIA (6) did not help herself by making a slow start last time out. She has a senior apprentice on board this time and with a better beginning, she can bounce straight back into the placings.
RACE 3 - HEAVEN BOUND (2) worked a touch too hard early on at Canterbury last time out over 1900m and did not finish off her race as expected, finishing fifth. She could be better off being kept to the mile for now and with a cosy run likely from the pole position, she could have a say in the outcome of the finish. ALICE MAE (1) finished fourth at Randwick last start in a tougher field when chasing a hat-trick and was looking for more ground. She steps up to a mile for the first time and can make an immediate return to the winners' circle here. VIVEZZA (5) ended up being 3 wide in the trip in a 7-horse field when resuming from a spell on the Beaumont circuit at Newcastle and understandably dropped out in the home straight. She strips fitter and with a softer run this time, she can figure in the top 3. IT'S A WONDER (3) ran on when clear to finish fifth in a stronger grade at Randwick 11 days ago and was a winner fresh up before that. Stick with her.
RACE 4 - BARTOLF (5) posted a very easy win second-up at Newcastle on the Beaumont circuit nearly 3 weeks ago and carries 1.5kg less this time. He stays at 1200m which is the only query but he has plenty of scope and can double the dose. CODETTA (4) was chasing 4 wins in a row when stepping up to this grade and finishing fourth at Randwick 18 days ago. She drops back to 1200m from 1300m and can bounce straight back into the winners' circle. KIRIBATI (1) has been mixing his form this prep and was runner-up as favourite at Hawkesbury just over 3 weeks ago. He is having his first run over 1200m this prep and with the advantage of a 3kg claim, he should go close to taking this out. HUSK (6) had to change ground a couple of times when making his run fresh up at Canterbury and finished a fair fourth. She will improve her condition quickly second up and is worth including in all combinations.
RACE 5 - RAVELLO (1) won here fresh up to remain unbeaten on the course and has been holding his own most recently in a couple of stronger fields. He looks to be very well-placed in this and with the benefit of a 3kg, he will be among the hardest to beat. AGITA (3) has been given a freshen-up since his last start at Randwick last October and had a tune-up trial last month where he looked in good condition. Both of his wins have been over a mile and he can give this a shake. Watch for him late. TIGER TOWN (7) motored home too late over 1400m at Randwick 11 days ago and the extra furlong third up will be ideal. He has won his only start on this track and will be right in the finish this time. MALABAR (2) dug deep to post a courageous win fresh up by a nose here 3 weeks ago. The blinkers are back on and with 2kg less to carry, he can double the dose.
RACE 6 - RANTAN (9) has been racing well and made it 2 wins from her last 3 starts when scoring over this trip on the track 3 weeks ago. She stays in the same grade and only has to carry an extra 2kg. She is in a good space and even from a wide gate, she can remain unbeaten over 1000m. OUTBACK MISS (8) has had a long spell since a couple of good efforts in Melbourne last March. She won the latest of 2 Rosehill trials and will be ready to rumble fresh up. STORM THE RAMPARTS (3) was a beaten favourite when resuming at Randwick nearly 2 weeks ago and slides down a grade here. He has the advantage of the pole position and can improve enough to take this out. Follow your money. WHO GOES THERE (6) has proven to be hard to catch with 4 wins from 8 starts at country level. There will be no fitness concerns here and he has to be respected. Include in all combinations.
RACE 7 - WINSTON HILLS (5) won fresh up at Canterbury when arriving from last to get up and score easily by over 2 lengths. He had no luck at Randwick as favourite nearly a fortnight ago and finished fourth. He has an extra 100m to travel here and can redeem himself. Follow your money. HUESCA (2) set up a strong clip in front last time out on this track and was only claimed late when finishing runner-up here 3 weeks ago. He has a tougher gate this time but will be peaking third up and could take them all the way this time. DESTINY'S DELIGHT (4) is resuming from a spell and was close up in a recent trial. The booking of Kerrin McEvoy is a positive lead and any market support is worth following. THE REPLICANT (9) ruined his chances of a closer finish at Randwick last start and ran on late to finish midfield. He is usually very consistent without winning and can bounce straight back into the money here, especially with a better beginning. Include in all combinations.
