Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HOMERIC (8) heavily supported in betting on debut when tired late to finish a respectable fourth over 1200m at Beaumont (Newcastle) on December 26. Further improved now and will take holding out from the low draw. GATEKEEPER (2) Justify gelding from Group 1 winning mare Nakeeta Jane on debut for the Waller yard. Fitted with three trials and gets his chance from the inside gate. SIGNOR TORTONI (3) sound debut when raced on the pace and covered ground before tiring to run fourth over 1200m at Randwick. Has a sticky gate again and is expected to figure prominently. THE ENCHANTER (6) has race fitness on his side third-up but has unfortunately drawn out again. Has good gate speed and stays in the mix. The chances don't end there.
RACE 2 - MAQUISA (7) looks set for a good prep after running on late at resumption with an eye-catching third over 1300m at Kembla Grange on January 4. Set to peak here and expected to race a little closer from the barrier. Solid each-way player. SCINTILLA (1) smart Hellbent filly who shouldn't be a maiden for long. Sprouted wings late on resumption when a gritty second over 1200m here. Will drift back again from the draw and look for her late with Nock's 3kg claim. Can finish over the top of them. MISS JONES (8) much better effort at her second career run when back in trip to finish second over 1000m at Kembla Grange. Has fitness on her side and can get control early from the inside draw and prove hard to run down. SCALABLE (2) Reliable Man filly from Thelittleracketeer on debut for the Baker stable. Has impressed in all three trials and sure to be strong late.
RACE 3 - Chris Waller holds the key to the race with four leading prospects engaged. PRETTY POWERFUL (10) got off the mark at his second race start when blitzing his rivals in good time over 1350m at Beaumont (Newcastle). Looks up to the stiffer contest and maps to get his chance. HEED THE OMENS (3) back in grade fourth-up after bumping into some progressive types at his three runs back. Failed to stretch out late when a disappointing eighth over 1600m at Randwick on December 21. Blinkers come off and can turn things around quickly. SWELTER (11) swooped late at second run back when a commanding maiden winner over 1600m at Kembla Grange. Progressive mare who can play a role in this stronger event. LOUGH ESKE (9) another who shed his maiden status on debut in good style after sitting on the speed when scoring over 1200m at Beaumont (Newcastle) four weeks ago. Up in grade and trip and stays in the calculations.
RACE 4 - O'ZIGGY (1) progressive gelding from the in-form Baker yard racing quickly through his grades. Up in trip and class when he showed plenty of tenacity to finish a solid fourth over 2000m at Randwick in BM78 class. Well placed in this easier contest with the claim. INVESTMENT (5) is a tough mare racing in career-best form. Showed plenty of grit from the wide gate when a head second over 1900m here last start. Drawn out again and has the gate speed to get in with cover. Top three contender. LUSKAIRE (7) fifth-up tonight and steps out to this trip for the first time. Looked a little dour last start and expected to relish the 1900m journey. No excuses from the draw. KIRIKAN (3) saves his best for this track and trip and strips fitter now after finishing fifth over 1600m at Randwick on January 4. Maps to stalk the speed with J Mac engaged.
RACE 5 - WALKIN'TALKIN' (8) has a good record over this track and trip and no reason he can't win again from the inside gate. Taken to the front and never headed at good odds when scoring here on January 1. Gets Bourke's claim again and will take catching. CAPITAL ASSET (2) comes to hand quickly and strips fitter after running a sound sixth with the 61kg first-up over 1300m at Randwick. Will appreciate Wadick's 2kg claim and maps to get the right run. Solid winning prospect. STAGNUM (11) surprised at good odds when making his debut, swooping late to score a smart maiden win over this course and distance. Kept fresh and has the upside to be in the finish again. ROUSSILLON (5) indicated a win was imminent when attacking the line late to finish a game third to the handy Slinky over 1200m at Wyong. Comes out of a strong race and is sure to be thereabouts.
RACE 6 - SPIRIT OF VARANASI (6) is a strong mare starting to put it all together. Chasing her third-straight victory after showing good gate speed when a tough winner over 1200m at Kembla Grange. Latham sticks and maps well again in this tougher race. LITTLE BAIA (8) returned good figures when going under narrowly first-up at Wyong. Since fitted with a recent 900m trial at Rosehill and gets the benefit of Chambers 3kg claim. Goes close. NOT THAT EASY (13) raced without luck all prep and go on her unlucky second to Slinky two back at Warwick Farm when assessing her prospects. Gets the right tempo and goes into the exotics. The chances don't end there. DEMIANA (5) drawn out for this and back sharply in class and trip after bumping into the promising Perfumist at Randwick on January 4. J Mac rides and look for her late.
RACE 7 - MAWJOOD (11) exciting gelding who brings the right figures here second-up. Stalked the speed and showed plenty of fight late when a narrow third over this trip at Randwick on December 28. Blinkers go on for the first time and should be able to get cover from the awkward draw. Goes close. STORM THE RAMPARTS (4) comes out a decent race first-up and will find this much easier after holding on well to finish fourth over 1000m at Randwick in BM78 class. Stalks the speed and has genuine winning prospects. CHIEF CONDUCTOR (1) consistent gelding who looks to have returned in top order. Goes even better second-up and has a good record over this track and trip.
