Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - TA SET NEFERU (3) resumed with a tough victory two back, before being snagged back from the outside draw when a poor eleventh over 1400m at Dubbo. Extra trip suits from the good gate and expected to bounce back to form. DALE (2) heavily supported third-up when demolishing a maiden field over 1600m at Tamworth. In leading country stable and expected to go on with it now. CHARLOTTING (5) back in grade when sitting on the pace for a tough fourth over 1600m at Parkes. Gets weight relief again with the claim and backs up quickly. REWARD'S DAUGHTER (7) recorded her maiden success last time over 1450m at this track after racing handy. Fitter and don't underestimate.
RACE 2 - GOGMAGOG (3) recent efforts have been sound, and a repeat of his narrow second over 900m here on January 13, will see him take stopping. Maps well and the firmer surface helps his cause. JO JO SUN (6) has a handy record over this course and trip and kept fresh for this. Gave his all with the 59.5kg when a strong third over 1200m at Port Macquarie. Gets the gun run and can finish over the top of these. PLAY MY SONG (9) drops in grade after failing narrowly when second over 1000m at Tamworth on January 23. On the quick back up with the claim and expected to go close. TOYGER (5) bounced back to form with a third place run at Gunnedah after a less than encouraging eighth at Coffs Harbour two back. Further improvement can see him in the finish.
RACE 3 - ZUCCHERO (4) lightly raced Dundeel gelding who resumes for his third prep. Gelded over the break and will find this more to his liking after running on late over 1600m at Newcastle a year ago. Fitted with the two even trials and expected to go close. HVARDANCE (9) outsprinted over the shorter trip on resumption when a solid sixth over 1000m at Gunnedah. Ben Looker keeps the ride and expecting a better effort out to the 1280m. STEEL CLAWS (1) surprised at big odds when returning for a gritty fourth over 1000m at Gunnedah. Will drift back from the gate and motor late. PINOT NERO (11) turned in a moderate effort on debut last start when seventh at Wyong over 1200m. Drew out on debut but has a nice gate this time. Can improve and is a top-three chance.
RACE 4 - FEIRME PRINCE (6) slow into stride and hit the line with plenty of intent first up when a fast finishing third over 1200m at Cowra. Clearly come back well and the fast tempo suits. Genuine each way player. STROMBUS (1) far from disgraced at second run back with the 59kg when a fading seventh over 1250m at Randwick Kensington. Gets in light again with the 3kg claim and doesn't have to improve much to figure prominently. CONTRIBUTINGFACTOR (4) two of his five wins have come over this trip and freshened up in easier company. Failed to back up when a tiring ninth over 1600m at Randwick on December 21. Look for him late. AIMPOINT (5) first-up today after having mixed success last time in. Has won first-up in the past and returns with an 860m trial placing under his belt. Gets his chance.
RACE 5 - WEDDING PLANNER (11) Randwick-trained mare by I Am Invincible out of Precious Lorraine on debut for the Anthony Cummings stable. Has impressed in her two latest trials and finds a very weak maiden today. She won't get it any easier. ZOUKING (7) gelding by Zousain from a Commands mare having his first run for the Jake Hull yard. Had the five trials and his recent trial win over 1000m at Hawkesbury was full of merit. Can overcome the wide draw. RARE MOON (14) returns from a lengthy break after doing the bulk of her racing on the provincial circuit. Finished second in a 795m trial and look for her late. BEST DEFENCE (1) makes return after three-and-a-half months, don't underestimate.
RACE 6 - LOVIN' HARRY (3) fitter after two runs back at the provincials and doesn't have to improve much on his narrow fourth over 1200m at Wyong. Will hold a forward position from the inside gate and can shed his maiden status at start seven. MOONBLING (11) fitter now with the claim after going back from the sticky draw when a plugging fifth over 1206m at Port Macquarie. This looks easier and has placed over this trip at Newcastle last time in. DEVIL RIDER (2) Ace High gelding looking for this trip second up. In a more suitable race today and can sit a little closer to the speed from the draw. Value chance. LUNA CRUISER (10) is struggling this preparation, but could sneak a place.
RACE 7 - INVINCIBLE WHIP (1) resumes with good fresh figures after bumping into some handy opposition last prep. Given the two searching trials and can stalk the fast tempo. Expected to go close. INVAIDA PRINCE (4) lone win came over this distance and drops in trip after running a battling fourth over 1600m at Gunnedah. Claim helps and can figure in the minor money. GELSEY (3) just under a month between runs when an eye-catching fifth over 1000m at Dubbo. Best form is good enough to take this out. OENOLOGY (2) has not raced since finishing 1.3 lengths away in fifth over 1500m at Newcastle on September 20. Did finish in the money first-up last prep at Tamworth over 1400m. Can feature.
