Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SENSATIONAL WIND (6) is a half-sister to the promising Transatlantic resuming for Ciaron Maher. Was in the betting at her only run back in July and finished midfield behind Mayfair at Rosehill. Suspect she is better than that and this looks a nice race to kick off the second campaign. The speedy KING OF DRAGONS (1) with the race experience edge is the logical threat. Led until nailed in the last bound in the rich Magic Millions maiden over 1100m at the Gold Coast recently. Genuine colt who looks sure to give backers a great sight again. Waller's I Am Invincible first starter SUM INVICTUS (2) won a Rosehill trial over 1030m on 7 January. Draws well and looks ready to make an immediate impact. PERFECT JUSTICE (4) is back from a 23-week spell. Easy won a recent Canterbury trial so he might be one to keep tabs on. WAL'S ME MATE (5) showed ability in the maiden prep and is one for the exotics first-up from a four-month lay-off.
RACE 2 - GYRA (8) was unloved by the market on debut but did a fine job to work home into second over 1200m at the Beaumont track on Boxing Day. Nicely placed over this longer trip and she should prove tough to hold out. SUNSHINE LAW (4) recorded her fourth consecutive second placing when she hit the lead on straightening and looked home only to be nailed late over this trip at Warwick Farm a fortnight ago. Very fit after two runs back from a spell and the blinkers going on might give her that extra length required. HURRY MISS (5) missed in a head-bobber when resuming over 1300m at Warwick Farm recently. Will probably go back from the wide gate but watch for her late. PINK SHALALA (1) returned in good order last start, beaten only 0.7 lengths when third at Kembla Grange over 1400m. Has claims.
RACE 3 - Since winning first-up at Hawkesbury FIDDLERS GREEN (3) has been competitive in three metro Saturday races, the pick of them an eye-catching second over the Randwick mile in a BM72 two runs back. Perfectly placed back in midweek company and looks the testing material. SWEYSIVE (1) led all the way and just prevailed last time out over 1400m at Warwick Farm. Has a liking for this circuit and has placed 3/4 when third-up so expect the good form to continue. MORITZ GIRL (8) was rewarded for consistency with a tough win in a Randwick 1600m Highway last start. Genuine mare who is very effective at or around this trip so keep her safe. MALABAR (5) didn't handle the heavy going last time. Fitter for two runs back and he can feature without surprising.
RACE 4 - Only a small field but not an easy one for punters. SO NEWCHEE THINKS (6) added to her consistent record with a dogged win over a hot pot at Warwick Farm a fortnight ago. Will relish the extra 200m at this stage of the prep. Takes on the males today but at the weights she looks mighty hard to beat again. SLY BOOTS (1) continued his fine form this time in work with a close third over the Randwick mile recently. Gets to this trip for the first time but Gai and Adrian will certainly have him up for it. Blinkers back on today is a positive sign as well. HEAVEN BOUND (5) led but was no match for So Newchee Thinks at the Farm last time out. Honest mare whose form at this trip is sound. Should give backers a sight. KIRIKAN (4) hasn't won in ages but is worth considering on a five-day-back up from a luckless run at Canterbury.
RACE 5 - UP TO MISCHIEF (5) started favourite but after leading for the judge was overwhelmed late and missed the placings in a strong Class 4 over 1200m at Wyong last start. Very fit mare who is beautifully in after the claim. Good enough to turn things around. Victorian visitor BEOUR BAY (2) failed to beat one home in a Listed race at Geelong last time out. Her best figures are a standout in this field. Curious move to bring her here - assume she is going well and ready to improve in this company at the third run back. JUST IN TIME (6) is a new acquisition for Ciaron Maher returning from a 14-month spell. Only raced three times in the maiden prep, with the best effort a three-length defeat in the Flemington Carbine Club at just his second outing. Betting crucial. OUTBACK ANGEL (4) brought her good country form to town last start. Love backing in-form mares so keep her in mind. LAUREL HILL (8) flies when fresh so she is worth some thought fresh from a three-month break.
RACE 6 - IDLE FLYER (10) firmed from 3.0 to 2.45 when resuming over 1000m at Kembla last start but gave away too much start and found one better. Won easily second-up last prep over 1300m so this step up in trip with the run under the belt is a proven formula. UNCONQUERABLE (8) showed pace when resuming last time out over 1100m on the course proper but her condition gave out in the closing stages. Lightly raced mare from an astute stable. Can improve sharply back in midweek company. IMPOSING PIER (9) started at Winx-like odds and never looked in doubt when resuming over 1300m at Kembla recently. Meets a much deeper field this time but he is in good hands and has a lot more to offer. KHAZNAH (3) did a good job to hold on for second in a strong Class 4 at Wyong last start. Yet to miss the frame in six runs at or around this trip which is a compelling stat.
