Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - JACKPOT STAR (9) is a three-year-old gelding at the races for the first time. From a strong family, most notably a half to G3 winner Magic Control (formerly Archo Nacho). Hails from the strong juvenile stable of Matthew Dale and impressed in recent Canberra trial placing. Promising type who can make an immediate impact with gun hoop piloting. BOMERTON (6) only warmed to his task late on debut on the Riverside surface and made good inroads to grab second. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt, however does lose Heywood. AMBER STAR (5) also left it too late on debut at Corowa but did finish off well. Expected to head back again from the draw and be running on. IF YOU CAN (8) will be better for his debut effort and can be kept safe from the inside alley.
RACE 2 - MISS FENNELL (12) was an eye-catcher fresh on the Riverside surface when flashing home from a rearward position. Is sure to have come on with that run under her belt and has gun hoop in Heywood sticking. The one to beat. DARN HOT MISS (10) was solid late to the line first-up at Corowa. Better for that and is in the mix. ROULLOTTIE (5) returns off a short break for Michael Travers and has enough early dash to utilise the inside pillar. Blinkers go on first time to sharpen her up. Expect her to bounce straight to the front and give a sight. DEODEE (11) best of the rest.
RACE 3 - HOLD (2) wasn't able to live up to market expectations last start when getting too far back but did rocket home (again). Has a powerful turn of foot on her day and she should be hitting her straps now. Will take plenty of stopping if they do run along early. KEYSBOROUGH (4) is yet to strike though for the Donnelly stable but has turned in some solid efforts. Drops back to a winning trip on a six-day turnaround and is drawn softly. Among the main hopes. ALTROVE (3) will once again be giving herself every chance up on the speed. Best figures stack up and she's worth some thought. KATIE EXPRESS (7) is knocking on the door and is among the top-three chances.
RACE 4 - OUR BOY BEAU (1) closed off nicely to grab a minor cheque when resuming off a 276-day break at Wangaratta. This doesn't look as tough and he strips fitter. Bold showing anticipated. HE'S MY WARRIOR (2) only got going late first-up on the Riverside surface, lengthening nicely to fill a hole. Broke the maiden over this track and trip and reunites with a winning hoop. Main danger. JEDINAK (9) is yet to strike through this campaign but produced a nice effort last start at Gundagai when beaten 0.6L. Carries a fitness edge and is drawn favourably. Worth including. FIGHTING ZED (4) has taken his time after resuming off an extensive break (560 days). Should be nearing a peak effort and had Penza sticking for Colvin. Don't dismiss.
RACE 5 - SOUL TAKER (8) finds it tough to notch up her second win but has been producing some solid efforts, only beaten a neck last start at Canberra when well supported. Strips rock-hard fit and is drawn to get all the favours under a light weight with the 2kg claimer engaged. A lot to like. LEDECKY'S DREAM (1) is going better than her form reads. Was an eye-catcher last start at Wangaratta when closing off nicely into a midfield finish, suggesting she will appreciate the extra 200m. Expect her to get right back from the gate and be saved for the final shot at them. MAYFAIR HOTEL (6) was a handy winner three back over this trip at Albury and has since found the line nicely in her next two. Expected to be ridden conservatively again from the draw and is another to watch for late in the piece. ARTIST (2) dug deep to fend off all challengers at Queanbeyan after leading them up. Smart move would to be charge forward again from the wide gate. Can give another bold sight.
RACE 6 - OVER TO WIN (3) has built nicely into his debut prep. Produced his best effort last start with a change of tactics when sent forward at Canberra, only to be grabbed by what looks like a handy one. Peaking now and gets in well at the weights again with the 2kg claimer sticking. Leading player. SHINE LIKE IT DOES (1) didn't have much luck when resuming at Goulburn but picked up strongly late and deserved to finish much closer. Senior hoop in Cahill replaces the apprentice and the extra 200m suits. Bold showing anticipated. LAUNCH MODE (7) warmed nicely to his task late to grab third when resuming on the Riverside surface 16 days ago. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt and should appreciate the added trip. Just has to overcome a poor draw. ADASITI (8) is a value play and can add juice for exotic players.
RACE 7 - PUSHALOT (1) is yet to break through this campaign but has put the writing on the wall in her last two. Carries a fitness edge and has enough early speed to offset the wide alley and give a bold sight. LOCH ERIN (4) was a nice winner in testing conditions when resuming off a 269-day break at Goulburn. Was flat second-up but can bounce back sharply now. ROCKBARTON SHOUT (6) missed by a lip two back at Albury but managed to shed her tag last start at Corowa. Added trip shouldn't bother and is drawn favourably. Among the hopes. DIVRON (2) also broke through last start when fending off the fast-finishing Miss Fennell on the Riverside surface. No reason she can't play another major role.
