Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SHALAA GOLD (8) massive run when returning from a let-up in the heavy (9) going with a gritty fifth over 1100m at the Gold Coast on January 11. Drawn much better for this and finds his race today. EVERYBODY RISE (3) fitter now after two runs back and liked the way he finished off when third over 1100m at Wyong. Could be looking for longer now but gets the right tempo. VOLATILE (9) shuffled back early and never got into the contest first-up in the heavy conditions when sixth over 1100m at the Gold Coast. Comes to had quickly and the firmer surface helps. JACOB'S LADDER (6) gelding by Written By from Ladder on debut. In the placings at his most recent trial and must be respected.
RACE 2 - MIA BALLERINA (7) resumes after failing to come up on debut when a plugging seventh over 1200m at Newcastle last August. Readied for this with the two solid trials and J Mac takes the ride. LA ROJA (6) motored late on debut when a handy seventh over 1000m in the LR Lonhro Plate at Randwick just under a year ago. Returns with two soft trials and can sprint well fresh. DARE TO FLY (2) attacked the line late when a solid debut third over 1000m at Randwick Kensington on January 15. Expected to have made sound progress since and can take a hand in the finish. MISS JUDAS (8) back in class first-up when running on late with the 61kg for an encouraging second over 900m at Muswellbrook. Bumped into some handy types at the provincials last time in and strips fitter for this. Improver with the tongue-tie added.
RACE 3 - STARDEEL (8) progressive Dundeel gelding set to peak third-up. Covered plenty of ground in the run when a fast-finishing second over this trip at the Sunshine Coast. Drawn out again and no shock to see him race closer here. Expected to go close. AUTOMNE TREE (1) started hard in the market on debut when warming up late for a sound fourth over 1250m at Canterbury on January 17. Clearly trained on and look for him late. COLD BREW (4) finished runner-up in all three runs and brings the right figures here. Sat on the speed when an even second over 1400m at Randwick Kensington on January 15. Will need luck from the draw and sure to be thereabouts. BERNEN WIN (2) finished a narrow third in a small field over 1400m at this track and since kept up to the mark with a 1000m tick over trial. Winkers off and not without each way claims.
RACE 4 - DARLING DOWNS (1) tough mare who kept coming when sixth over 1600m at Randwick in BM78 class last start. Trip suits in this easier contest. The one to beat. TARTANA (3) resumed in a strong race when getting home late to finish second to Mogwai over 1300m at Kembla Grange. Can go one better here with Roper's 3kg claim. Genuine contender. RYBAKINA (7) won well two back, then up in class when an even on-pace fifth behind Toes In The Water over 1550m at Randwick Kensington. Goes forward again and looks up to this. LUXE ETERNAL (6) finished midfield last start over 1100m at Canterbury when resuming. Tyler Schiller goes aboard. In the mix.
RACE 5 - CODE IN TIME (2) improving gelding rewarded for his consistency when defeating a handy field over the 1400m at Kembla Grange. Goes up a rung or two here but the booking of J Mac from the inside gate sees him go on top. LITTLE BEGINNINGS (1) bumped into some progressive types at his last three outings and will relish the class drop. Had to work hard from the wide gate when a fading sixth to Yorkshire over 1350m at Wyong in BM78 class on January 11. Claim helps and looks the main danger. THE REPLICANT (3) win record hardly excites and needs everything to go right in his races. Loomed strongly with the 57kg when second over 1400m in this grade at Randwick Kensington. Nicely placed to take a hand in the finish again. MISSILE DEFENCE (7) best effort this prep when he launched late from well back to run second over 1400m at Kembla Grange. Set to peak here and no surprise to see him go one better.
RACE 6 - PUNTIN (7) another of the Baker-trained gallopers going quickly through his classes. Put a big space on inferior opposition from the outside draw at his second race start, when a slick 4 len winner over 1425m at Moruya. Jumps up another grade here and will take running down. TIGER TOWN (5) ready to win fourth-up after being outclassed by Agita over 1600m here in the heavy going. Drops back a level with the claim. Genuine top three prospect. MARACAIBO SUN (3) Canberra-trained gelding chasing his third straight victory. Will find this tougher but not to be underestimated with the 3kg claim from the low draw. LOUGH ESKE (10) won on debut two back at Beaumont (Newcastle) then could only manage ninth last start over 1550m at Canterbury. Can bounce back here.
RACE 7 - TAJANIS (9) sharp form reversal when ridden much closer to the speed and shooting clear on straightening for a commanding 5.5 len win over 2400m at Rosehill. No reason he can't do it again despite jumping in class. SALTCOATS (1) snagged back early and never looked a winning chance along the inside part of the track when third to Osipenko over 2000m in the LR January Cup at Rosehill. Backs up quickly and should have little trouble running the 2400m out. Worth another chance. BULLETS HIGH (6) sat on the speed and well ridden late to get up for a narrow victory over 2100m at Wyong. Alysha Collett keeps the ride and has to go up in grade and trip for this. Has fitness on his side and will need everything to go right. CONVENER (7) has a sense of timing fifth-up and drops significantly in weight after running on strongly when third over 2500m at Flemington. Genuine each way contender.
RACE 8 - Tough way to end the day. WINNING PROPOSAL (8) is an underrated filly who raced in much stronger races last time in and comes to hand quickly. Saves her best for his track and trip and looked forward enough when a recent 775m trial winner. Goes close. MASSIRA (9) former Godolphin gelding who resumed for the Matt Dale yard with a smart win over 1000m at Kembla Grange on January 4. Looks up to this stronger contest and gets every chance again from the draw. PHOTOGRAPHICS (14) lightly raced filly who failed to handle Group company last prep and returned with a surprise victory over 1000m at Randwick on December 26. Clearly strengthened up and stays in the mix with the claim. WALLENDA (4) gelded over the break, and he's always shown ability. Raced in much stronger company in Victoria last year and given the two jump outs in readiness for this. Sticky draw the slight query.
