Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Just three runners remain. METAPHORICALLY (1) chased hard narrowly beaten behind Idle Flyer on the Kensington. He presents at peak fitness and Waddick's 2kg claim is handy. The longer sprint should hold no fears. No knock on IDLE FLYER (5) who belted home to win on the Kensington. She'll be fitter again and will settle closer. A live chance. This is harder for HIGHLY TEMPTED (8) but his country form is good and he keeps improving. He gets in light with the 3kg claim and is on a quick backup.
RACE 2 - CONCHIERO (1) resumes for Waterhouse-Bott and has been gelded. He showed plenty in his initial campaign and will be naturally improved. He's trialled and can skip across and control the race. Tough to beat. WAL'S ME MATE (5) just missed on the Kensington first-up and hasn't missed a beat. He was expected to need it and is sure to have come on. Has race fitness and the inside gate and will get his chance. SPACEBALLS (8) resumes for Ciaron Maher and brings sharp trials. Maps well with Clark aboard and has the figures. Conchiero's stablemate SUPREME STATEMENT (3) resumes owning comfortable trial wins. He's switched from a country yard and can lift to another level. Hyeronimus sticks from the trials.
RACE 3 - The well-bred SAKIMA (6) resumes and brings compelling form from Group 2 and Stakes level. She has two trials under the saddle and McEvoy sticks from the latest. Maps well and is proven fresh. A fitter WINCHESTER (5) is a threat. Resumed with a 1.8L defeat at Rosehill and is further improved. Can control the race from the inside barrier and the 1200m shouldn't hold any fears. CHIEF CONDUCTOR (4) presents third up and has laid a solid foundation. Was far from disgraced last time and that followed a near-miss first-up in a Randwick 78. He has the first-time blinkers applied to sharpen him up. SUPER BRIGHT (2) peaks and is better than the formline suggests. She hasn't been enjoying much luck and is back in grade with a 3kg claim to compensate. Gives away starts but will finish hard.
RACE 4 - ALTERCATION (10) looks a solid chance on an each-way basis. Resumed further improved when narrowly beaten at Randwick and then held the form placing on the Kensington. This is a step up but she will carry just 53kgs with the claim and should settle forward with cover. TO THE EXTREME (7) resumes for Ron Quinton and her latest Randwick trial was sharp. She just missed at Kembla Grange first-up last campaign and has plenty of scope for improvement. Up in grade but gets in well with the 3kg claim. EMILIA JANE (9) resumes owning a trial win at the track. Impressed winning a Newcastle Maiden before the spell and will be naturally improved. Tumbles in weight and will charge late. JAMAKIN MONEY (6) has an inside barrier and 3kg claim and led and won a 66 at Dubbo 66 well enough. In the mix.
RACE 5 - INVESTMENT (7) stepped up to this trip at Kembla Grange and won comfortably at a prohibitive quote. She's on a 7-day return and tumbles in weight stepping up in grade. Races at home and we know she'll run it right out. O'ZIGGY (5) is a leader busting to win. Ran the quinella behind a dominant stablemate at Rosehill 4 days ago over 2000m. The yard is flying and the gelding will get every chance to see out the extra 400m. AKKADIAN EMPEROR (6) settled more forward over this trip at Rosehill but was disappointing at the business end. Peaks today and has a key gear switch. As with the above pair, he races at home and is worth another chance. MONARCHS BRAE (1) races forward and has won over this trip. Just missed in a Randwick 88 two-back. He's on a 4-day return and the 3kg claim brings him right into it.
RACE 6 - A good contest. NOBLE CONQUEROR (1) didn't manage the wide barrier at Randwick in stronger but brought encouraging efforts to that. He has more to offer and McDonald is a key jockey switch replacing the 2kg apprentice. He's likely to position handier and the grade suits. HOUSE OF CARDS (4) resumes off a heavily bet win in a Hawkesbury 64. He's trialled twice and has won 2/3 first-up. Draws inside and a bold return is anticipated. WILD GYPSY (9) has been around the mark in easier without winning. Maps well and tumbles in weight. Rates up to this and she has to be kept onside. Ditto CAPITAL ASSET (2) who has his third start since a stable switch and is ready to find his best.
