Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DIADOCHOS (5) has given a good account of himself in a couple of stronger fields at Murray Bridge. He will find this easier and with an extra 100m being ideal, he is the one to beat. LUDO (3) had a very tough trip from a wide gate at Naracoorte 12 days ago and still whacked away to finish third. With some better luck this time, he should go close to taking this out. GALPIN (9) resumed from a long spell and finished third at Nhill nearly 3 weeks ago. She will naturally improve from that run and is worth including in all combinations. LITTLE BUT BIG (10) ran in the middle of the pack last start at Hamilton. Is up in journey today, rates among the chances.
RACE 2 - ZOUNORMOUS (11) has been trying hard to break through for her first win over various distances and fought on gamely to finish fourth at Murray Bridge just over 2 weeks ago. This looks like the right race for her and she can post an overdue win. SLAYRIDER (6) dropped in grade and finished runner-up at Nhill last time out and is the likely leader here. Rochelle Milnes steps into the irons and the pair will be among the hardest to hold out. MISS TERASITA (9) battled away when running fourth fresh up at Burrumbeet just over a fortnight ago. She strips fitter. Include. IRLANDAIS (5) stepping out at this track for the first time. Last appeared when he finished sixth over 1600m at Hamilton on January 7. In the mix.
RACE 3 - CORK HARBOUR (8) worked hard to find the front from a wide gate at Naracoorte but kept up a strong gallop to lead all of the way and score by over a length. This is not much harder and from a superior gate, he can repeat the dose. MEG'S MAGIC (9) has changed stables since her last run at Benalla in the spring. A quieter stable will help and a recent Oakbank trial will have her primed to run a big race. REVOLUTION BELLE (10) came with a well-timed run to score third up at Strathalbyn last start. This is no harder and with the same weight to carry, she can go close to taking this out as well. LOAD AND GO (2) stuck to his task gamely at Mt Gambier nearly 4 weeks ago when finishing close up in third place. He normally improves with racing and Jamie Opperman keeps the faith. Each way value. AMBELLO (6) has found it hard to win another race and was beaten by a next in his last start at Oakbank for a new trainer. He benefits from a 3kg claim and another honest effort is likely.
RACE 4 - SPORTS CHOICE (11) has found it hard to win another race and finished fifth in a similar field at Naracoorte 12 days ago. She tries 1400m for the first time and with the advantage of a 4kg claim this time, she should be among the hardest to beat. PINCHBECK (3) finished runner-up in the same race as the top pick last start and has a nice draw upgrade this time. Rochelle Milnes sticks with him and so do we. SUPREME THUNDER (2) is normally consistent when fit and made up a lot of ground to finish second at Bordertown a month ago. He has a tougher draw this time but Jacob Opperman is back in the saddle and the pair can go one better here. WAGUNDA (6) will be peaking third up and is very well placed at this level. Cory Parish is in good form and a win would be no shock.
RACE 5 - OLLY'S FORTUNE (1) has tried hard in a couple of starts this season and fought on bravely off a tough trip when finishing sixth at Stawell last time out. He has the blinkers on for the first time and with a drop down in class, he is the one to beat despite a wide gate. On top. EAGLES FOREVER (2) is normally consistent once he finds form and he has won twice on this track in the past. He will be peaking third up and should be right in the finish again. PRANCING COUNTESS (11) did not handle the Oakbank circuit 9 days ago and will appreciate getting back out over a mile. The visors are on for the first time and she can give this a shake at odds. MR FERRARI (4) just battled in a stronger grade at Burrumbeet last start just over 2 weeks ago and has been back to the trails since then. He benefits from a 3kg claim and is not out of this. Each way. CHARTIN (6) has not coped with a middle distance in a couple of starts since posting an all-the-way win at Strathalbyn in the spring. Go again.
RACE 6 - DREAMZEL (9) needed her first run back from a spell in a far stronger field at Caulfield-Heath just over 3 weeks ago and is usually better with more racing. She is not too badly treated at the weights after a claim and should be the one to beat here. SHADOWFAX (11) led all the way to score at Morphettville 2 starts back before finishing close up in fifth there last time out. He is likely to race handy to the pace here and around this circuit, he could take some pegging back. QUIK RHAPID (4) led all of the way to score by well over 2 lengths at Naracoorte 12 days ago. He is only up a kilo in weight and has the right draw to secure a cosy run. Stick with him. OVEREXTEND (2) is a handy gelding on his day and normally comes to hand quickly. He has a couple of trials under his belt and will be ready to run a big race fresh up.
RACE 7 - COMMANDER HARRY (4) gave a good kick when finishing fourth after leading at Caulfield-Heath just over 5 weeks ago. He has since changed stables and is nicely placed in this with 3kg less to carry. Rochelle Milnes steps into the irons and the pair will be hard to hold out. DUAL FUEL (7) is bringing in some solid place form to this assignment and is drawn to receive a cosy run. Each way claims in an even lineup. DR DEE DEE (6) is a durable veteran who has been mixing his form this season. He wanted more ground than a mile at Nhill last time out and can bounce straight back into the money here. FAROOQ (3) is another handy veteran who is still competitive at this level. He is on a 5-day backup and can figure in the top 3 this time. IMPOSING SUSPECT (8) battled away bravely when finishing fifth at Murray Bridge 6 days ago. He drops 6kg from that effort and is worth including in all combinations.
RACE 8 - BORN TO SHINE (11) was a beaten favourite last start at Stawell but had to do it the hard way that day after being trapped wide throughout, finishing a brave third. She drops 3.5kg this time and with a touch better luck, she is the one to beat. Follow your money. COPPERFIELD (2) was back in winning form at a recent Gundagai picnic meeting, scoring by a short-head. He is at his best off a strong tempo and can have the last say again. FOREVER WAITING (6) dug deep to score in easier company at Naracoorte 12 days ago and has 2.5kg less to carry here. Rochelle Milnes keeps the faith and so do we. Each way. BULLET WING (3) had an excuse for a poor run fresh up and has been given time to get over his issue. All of his form has come over 1400m and he can bounce back in this. Don't risk him. EMERALD REWARD (5) has been holding his own since winning easily at Mt Gambier fresh up in the spring. Stick with him on an each-way basis.
