Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - GAMP (8) has been kept fresh since leading and just failing to hold off O'Invincible on debut over 1000m at Hawkesbury. Will be hard to catch coming back to 900m with that race experience on board. Bjorn Baker's debutante GOLDANE (9) has been most impressive in her two trial wins. From a good family that includes the stakes-placed Let's Twist. Everything points towards a positive run. FLYING ARGYLE (5) resumes. Found one better in each of his first three runs then was turned out after failing over 1200m here in July. Now a gelding and should be in for a bright campaign. TIMBOURELLA (10) is a Ciaron Maher-trained debutante by Lonhro from former smart filly Timbourina who has produced six individual winners to date. Trials just fair so watch the betting for more clues. BROKEN WINGS (7) led and gave some cheek first-up at Taree. May improve further with blinkers applied for the first time.
RACE 2 - CASH AND CARDS (4) convincingly won his maiden first-up at Canberra then finished off fairly without threatening at Kembla last time over 1300m. Drawn to enjoy the perfect run behind the pace and at the third run back from a spell he should be at his peak. DARK GLEAM (3) started favourite and opened this campaign impressively with a decisive win over 1200m at Kembla last start. Maps nicely just off the speed and he is capable of taking this next step. ANGARA (1) started warm favourite but after leading for home caved in badly at the end of 1300m at Wyong most recently. Freshened up and worth another chance based on the solid support last time. Team Hawkes bring FURY (2) back to NSW after a couple of moderate efforts in metro BM64 races in Melbourne. Has had a six-week let-up and the blinkers come off. Major player back at the provincials. MERCHANT GOLD (6) quickened nicely to win with a bit to spare on debut at the Gold Coast. Cannot be underestimated.
RACE 3 - NAMARA (9) debuted over 1200m at the Beaumont track last start and made quite an impression, working home from well back to grab third at big odds. Only needs to exhibit a little natural improvement to go a couple better. THE EYES HAVE IT (7) started favourite when resuming over 1100m at Wyong last start but could only manage to clock in third after having every chance. Looks ready for this longer trip now so expect her to be right in the finish. PROSPEROUS DRAGON (2) led and tried hard but was claimed late and finished third on debut over 1100m at Wyong recently. Will need to do a bit of work to cross from the wide gate but with any luck he should be highly competitive again. SPANDEX (8) led but knocked up when fresh from a spell over 1100m at Canterbury three weeks ago. Fitter and can give some cheek. AVALON LADY (11) returned in good order at the Beaumont track last start and should give a good account again.
RACE 4 - HIAWATHA (3) started deep in the red but disappointed when fourth of five over 2100m at Hawkesbury last start. Was slow to recover post-race that day and rider McEvoy suggested the blinkers be removed. Deserves another chance following a six-week freshen-up. CHEVAL GRIS (11) was runner-up for the second race in succession when she closed well but was beaten 2.8 lengths over 2020m at the Beaumont track last time out. Nicely in after the claim and looks close to a win. GARLAND OF ROSES (9) resumed as favourite in a 1500m Goulburn maiden recently and got the job done by the barest of margins. Lightly raced filly who looks ready for the longer trip and has a stack of room for improvement. THINK ROMANCE (7) ended a frustrating run of minor placings with a dominant maiden win over 2020m at the Beaumont track a fortnight ago, defeating Cheval Gris. Sure to be competitive again. ELLE HUDSON (1) has improved at each appearance this prep. New to this trip but it looks the right option.
RACE 5 - FIRE TRIBE (1) went back from a wide draw then made good late inroads to finish fourth last start over 1350m at Wyong. Very fit after three runs back from a spell and he is crying out for this trip. Joe Pride pops the blinkers back on him for the first time this prep which suggests this is grand final day. MIZELLA (8) couldn't quicken over 1350m at the Beaumont track recently and finished well back in a small field. Gives every indication she needs this sort of distance now so give her another chance. ROCKBARTON FLASH (4) justified the short quote and collected his maiden win at Port Macquarie last start. Blinkers go on today - worth following. ZOUSAIN BOLT (5) can improve off his fair first-up run and is not out of the equation. COASTAL GROOVE (2) wasn't beaten far first-up over 1200m at this track. Will appreciate the extra trip.
RACE 6 - Every runner has legitimate claims in a tricky race. NO STATEMENT (1) has been freshened up since a respectable fifth in a 1000m BM78 at Kembla seven weeks ago. Loves the 900m run here, recording four wins and a couple of placings from eight attempts. Beautifully graded and looks the one to beat despite a big weight. ZOE SHARK (4) led and gave a kick but found one better last time out over 1150m at the Beaumont track. Consistent sprinter who might have to do a bit of work from the wide draw but should be competitive again. DRUMS OF WAR (3) led for home then battled on well to hold onto third when resuming over 1000m at Hawkesbury recently. Races well here and should enjoy a lovely run from the favourable gate. One of the better chances. ONE KIND (9) has a good record over 900m here so with the blinkers back on today she comes right into calculations. MR TRACKSIDE (11) strips fitter so expect improvement on the first couple of runs this prep.
RACE 7 - SUMMER SOIREE (3) encountered a mediocre field and put them away by over eight lengths last start in a 1300m maiden at Wyong. Consistent mare with plenty of ability so she can go on with the job now after the confidence booster last time. Victorian visitor KREMENTZ (1) returns from a six-month spell. Didn't come up last prep but was a Flemington winner over 1400m this time last year. Betting might hold the key. The lightly raced mare FLYING THINKER (2) is back after a 170-day absence. Twice a winner from three attempts at or around this trip, including a dominant all-the-way win here at her second race start. Sure to give plenty of cheek. RIVER PAT (5) had been racing well and deserved her win over 1200m in a BM64 at Port Macquarie last start. Getting up in the weights but is very genuine and will give backers a sight. CANNY QUEEN (10) is a lightly raced filly resuming. Betting the key indicator.
