Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BAYBOUGG (7) came back to the turf and spiked her figures in an Open 3 here over this trip. Peaks and draws a handy gate. Rates to go close. OZTURK (6) resumed further improved beaten 1L here and wasn't far away at Launceston following. Has an awkward barrier but the step up to the mile suits. HUBUBBAJAHN (4) is knocking on the door and has a 1.5kg claim. Races forward and gets another chance. EMMJAY (3) and CARNELIAN ROCK (1) have claims at best. The former has the rails gate and gets in light with the 4kg claim.
RACE 2 - MATEUS (5) has been nudged out all four starts this preparation and was heavily bet the last two. Maps well and a senior hoop goes on. He can break through. Stablemate BUNKER BOB (1) improved here and then put in a plain one at Launceston. Pires replaces the apprentice and he can form the quinella. NUMBERONESTYLEGUY (6) spiked his figures stepping up to this distance at Launceston. He'd make the finish holding that form. LITTLE RIVER TOFF (4) is hard to catch but will be better over this distance and she'll be around the mark.
RACE 3 - LADY FERN (11) was back to form beaten 0.5L here and then was backed off the map at Launceston and was plain (vet cleared). She's back after 11 days so all must be in order. This is winnable for her. OUTBUSH (3) debuts and owns two trial wins. Maps well and a bold run is likely. CELTIC ROSE (10) was expected to win on the synthetic and didn't enjoy the experience. Her turf form reads well and she gets another chance. ALPINE DAME (8) trialled well and led missing a whisker on debut. She will be fitter and racing on the turf shouldn't bother. Has a small claim and the early speed to manage the awkward barrier
RACE 4 - BINE (4) deserved the 68 win and did it easily as a short-priced favourite. Races forward and rates to go on with the job. ALPINE THUNDER (3) runs along and followed the comfortable win with a nose defeat in a 60 seven days ago. Tumbles in weight and presents as a threat. SUNSHINE MOSHE (2) is third-up and still shy of his best. Pires replaces the apprentice and he maps for the run of the race. In the mix. WITHIN SIGHT (9) found plenty when winning by half a length two runs back at Launceston. Looks an each way chance.
RACE 5 - VINTAGE DIESEL (2) stepped up to this distance at Longford and belted the 60 graders by 10L. Dropped back to a middle-distance following and didn't come into contention. This suits him better and he can bounce back. CLIFTON DANSEUR (5) was back to form leading then beaten a nose over 2150m. He has placed over this distance and a senior hoop goes aboard. Draws handy and will get every chance. LINDRUM (3) beat the above home in that contest. Has a 2kg claim and just has to run it out. BULBUK (7) did a good job in the same race and maps well. He also deserves consideration.
RACE 6 - GLOBAL AWARENESS (7) was straight back to her best narrowly beaten here over this distance. Uses the rail and goes well second-up. Gets in light with the 4kg claim and she's the one to beat. STREET DIVA (3) went back-to-back and has threatened the two since. Maps for the run of the race and is a threat stepping up to 1400m for the first time. APRIL'S DANCE (8) also has claims building on the 62 win at Launceston. Raced favourite in that and is likely to push forward today. GEE GEES ME BOY (4) has a low gate and is going well enough to consider.
RACE 7 - ZEWINNA (6) has been beaten a whisker both starts this preparation and is an improved galloper. Maps for the run of the race and will appreciate stepping up to the mile. Gets in well with the 2kg claim and will be hard to beat. BLONDE STAR (7) deserved the win here and then came back beaten 0.5L. She's been freshened and is a chance to bounce with average luck from an awkward barrier. STEEL MIST (12) found more like his best form winning a 72 here over a mile. Keeps the 3kg claim and draws handy. Keep onside. ALPINE BLAST (2) is working towards a win, the latest effort a solid third over 1620m at Launceston.
RACE 8 - SANDUAL (4) was back to form beaten 2L on resumption. Jumps from the inside gate and is proven second-up. Fitter and rates to be winning. THELMA (1) resumes and has won 3/5 fresh. Maps well and has the handy 4kg claim in easier. She can form the quinella. POWER MAGNUM (6) resumed on the synthetic and needed it. Proven second-up and has placed 2/3 this course/distance. Has a low gate and can get into the finish. QUEEN OF MALWA (7) resumes and has switched from a Victorian yard. Usually needs one but she has the ability and deserves a betting watch.
