Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FAVOURITE SONGS (3) brings three threatening efforts to peak. The speedy galloper went close on a no-metro win last time and four winners have come out of that. Draws to advantage and can break through. SATURDAY SESH (1) found close to his best placing second-up and can build on that. We may see him sit closer today. MONACO CALLING (7) has been well-trialled and won the most recent at Belmont. Looks set to race boldly and the betting will be key. SOMETHING ROYAL (4) resumed in an Open 3 at Ascot and needed the run. Has the inside gate and this suits better. Fitter and should be around the mark.
RACE 2 - CAPABLE ANGEL (7) is speedy and deserves to break through. She's on a 7-day return and will be much harder to catch over the shorter sprint. ROYAL ESCORT (2) has two solid runs under his saddle and is ready to find his best form. That would have him right in the finish and he has been kept on the fresh side. STARCHASER (9) debuts and has been well-trialled. Won the latest at Belmont and an inside barrier advantages. LOTSAMERIT (8) resumes and has shown enough to say she's a chance. Owns a Belmont trial win and CJP's booking suggests she's pleasing.
RACE 3 - Tricky and a debutant may hold the key. REBELNADO (5) debuts and looked good in a recent trial at Lark Hill. The inside gate should be ideal and Chris Parnham is a key jockey engagement. FINAL CALL (4) debuts and also draws low. Owns a Lark Hill trial win and he's always ready to go. AHREA (8) resumes and is a chance if presented forward. May need one but she's well placed with the 3kg claim. LONG WAIT (6) did a good job first-up after a slow start. Draws wide again but she has more to give and CJP sticking aboard is a positive.
RACE 4 - IMPRESSIVE JEWEL (9) had been well-trialled and did a big job from a wide gate when narrowly beaten here on debut. She was expected to need it and is sure to have come on. Draws the inside gate and can go one better. BIRD ON A WIRE (7) was beaten 1.3L in the same contest heavily bet again. Missed a whisker first up and she has more to give. Maps to get every chance. CHEST OUT SWAGGER (4) ran on strongly from the back to miss a nose at Albany and he's ready to find his best. Good enough but an outside barrier will require a good ride. MAXWHOOSHTAPIN (6) raced handy and was only beaten 2L at Bunbury a month ago on debut. He went around at big odds and has trialled since. CJP goes aboard today suggesting the gelding is pleasing. Fitter and deserves consideration.
RACE 5 - Competitive. ROYALE MUCK UP (4) belted the Geraldton Maidens by 3.2L over 1900m before stepping up to this distance at Ascot beaten 3.3L in an Open. This is easier and winning rider Faithfull is reunited. He will sit handy from the low barrier and in lesser company can bounce back. Faithfull is off DESERT EDGE (5) replaced by Chris Parnham who also has a winning association with the galloper. He peaks now and has a sharp record over this distance. Maps to advantage and is a likely threat. DR ON CALL (2) is hard-fit and capped off a decent run of form winning a Maiden here over this trip. He will be around the mark if things go his way. SHAKERATO (10) has been better his last two making ground over a mile. Draws inside and may be worth another chance over this journey.
RACE 6 - INFURIATED (2) resumed further improved missing a whisker at Bunbury before recording a tough placing at Ascot over 1400m. He's in the top metro barn and stable favourite CJP goes back on. He will enjoy the step up to the mile and take beating. NO PEER (9) seeks the hat-trick and spiked her figures again here last time. Maps for a soft run and is a live chance. KINGS CALL (4) found a place here second-up and has more up the sleeve. Has his first crack at 1600m but gives every indication it will suit. ROYAL LAW (1) resumes with Chris Parnham sticking aboard. Seeks the hat-trick off a Belmont win and the betting will be key.
RACE 7 - MADE IN MEXICO (6) resumed for the Durrant yard and flies fresh. Brings compelling form and missed a nose in a recent Lark Hill trial. Chris Parnham is booked and that's a decent push for his chances. CAPRE OMNIA (3) brings two threatening runs from Ascot and is suited. Deserves his fifth win and has every chance. ROCK THIS TOWN (1) has also raced well at Ascot and comes back in grade with a 3kg claim. He will ride the speed from a low barrier and also has claims. GO GO GROMMET (5) brings a win and near miss from the main course here and has been freshened. Has a handy barrier and will be around the mark.
