Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - PIRATE (2) returns and makes his stable debut for Phillip Stokes. Showed glimpses of ability back in NSW and while there's a slight query off a long break, he's expected to measure right up with in-form Neindorf piloting. STORMING IN (3) is a Territories gelding on debut for the smart juvenile stable of R & C Jolly. Worked to the line nicely in a recent Oakbank trial and gets a key booking in Toeroek. Can make an immediate impact. WADAANA (8) was much better last start at Oakbank when closing off nicely into the frame. Draws well again and has added fitness. KALBARRI (1) returns and will take benefit from a Naracoorte trial win. Respect any market support.
RACE 2 - MYSTICAL WISDOM (8) kicked off the campaign with two close efforts and then finished off solidly to the line last start in town after settling a long way off them. Kept on the fresh side and will appreciate stepping back out in trip. Sharp bounce back anticipated. REBEL JOHNNY (9) was an eye-catcher on debut at Oakbank when rattling home to get within a length of the winner. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt and keeps Holder. Can go one better. CROWN AND ANCHOR (1) finds the maiden win elusive but progressed nicely second up when knuckling down to hold down a minor placing at Naracoorte. Further improvement is in store third up and he's among the key chances. GABBATRON (11) made good inroads fresh and is a likely improver worth some thought.
RACE 3 - GOLD SPY (1) finds it difficult to land the winning blow but has been producing some positive efforts. Has plenty of subsequent winners around him and is drawn to take closer order this time. Leading player. LITTLE ROCKET (7) has been mixing form in his debut prep but his best figures suggest he's more than capable of getting off the mark soon. Cherry-ripe now and looks the main threat. LUDO (2) wasn't far away last start at Penola when sticking on stoutly after racing in the leading pair. Should give backers a sight from the low draw. REIGN IN THE CASH (3) only warmed to his task late on debut at Warrnambool, passing some rivals late to get in the frame. Likely improve that deserves respect. FLYING YANK (10) next best.
RACE 4 - SAWBAY (10) finished with a head of steam last start at Stawell when grabbing third. Rates highly on best figures and has the clocking backing her up. Well placed to score her second win. SON OF VADAMOS (11) has been knocking on the door, putting the writing on the wall last start over a similar trip at Strathalbyn when beaten a long neck. Holder sticking is a positive. Can measure up. TURNED LOOSE (14) shares similar form lines and is another that is in the mix. DETORON (7) folded late last start after leading them up at Oakbank. Imagine she will be giving herself every chance again out in front. Don't dismiss.
RACE 5 - BALISTIQUE (5) was a smart debut winner and came desperately close to making it two on the bounce last start on the Parks surface. Kept on the fresh side for her third-up assignment and has plenty of scope for improvement. Bold showing anticipated. COVERT WITNESS (9) has returned in good order this prep, going better than the form reads last start when only beaten 1.7L in sixth. Strips fitter and reunites with Holder. Winning chance. GIORGI (6) drove hard to arrive just in time and get the verdict over the track and trip last start. Open to further improvement and deserves respect. Fellow last start winner GOOD BLOKE (1) is also in the mix.
RACE 6 - NEXTONIXS (2) returns for David Jolly after enjoying a successful debut prep. Expect her to spear across from the wide draw and dictate. Will give backers a great sight. PRETTY RELIABLE (8) also resumes. Fluctuates her form but is good enough on her day. Keeping safe with Opperman piloting. ASTROMANCER (4) is another that has her first run back and usually performs well fresh. Has found the frame over this track and trip before and gets a key booking in Toeroek from a favourable alley. Certainly one to consider. ZUFASTA (1) has struggled to threaten of late but will find this a fair bit easier. Don't dismiss entirely.
RACE 7 - NICISH (10) returns and has some strong form around some better types. Stack of subsequent winners around her last prep and she gets a gun draw for her first-up assignment under Neindorf. Bold showing anticipated. LASTAR (3) has also been freshened with a 62-day break after a flat performance at headquarters on Finals Day. Is another that will need a touch of luck from the barrier but he's got peaks good enough to take this out. SABERMETRIC (4) has a strong turn of foot on his day and shoulders a solid record at this venue, with four wins at the distance. Don't underestimate. TOOKAY PETE (9) gets the services of Nunes. Keeping safe on best figures.
RACE 8 - MORTGAGE MAN (2) launched late to resume a winner at Oakbank 16 days ago. Holder sticks and will most likely get his mount back again from the draw and be doing his best work late. Can repeat the dose. EXALTED KATE (9) knuckled down strongly late to grab second over this trip at Oakbank last start. Sets up well for this with weight off and is drawn much kinder. Big threat. TESTA DEXTA (4) has been mixing his form this campaign but his best figures suggest he can measure right up. Last start maiden winner ELLIOTTO (1) is still lightly raced and has more to offer. No reason he can't give this a shake.
RACE 9 - SAINT MICHAEL (4) showed good tactical speed first-up at Strathalbyn but lacked a fitness edge late. Better for the hit-out and is sure to be giving himself every chance again up on pace. Bold showing anticipated. TALL LETTER (8) strips rock-hard fit. Went forward last start at Oakbank and didn't lie down in the lane, only just missing to a barnstorming winner. Has proven versatile and has Pannell sticking. Right in this. FANTASTIC HOST (6) wasn't able to live up to market expectations last start after settling a long way back but did work home fairly. Gets a key switch with Holder replacing the apprentice. Can bounce back sharply. HATEECH (10) charged home to just miss the winner last time at Strathalbyn. Have to include off that.
