Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - PARTY CRASHER (8) caught the eye on debut here two weeks ago when flashing home into the frame. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt and will appreciate the added trip. Expecting him to settle back early from the draw and be charging late. HOT STRUT (11) put the writing on the wall last start at Swan Hill when beaten a lip. Has found the maiden win elusive but her best figures measure right up. Can get off the mark this time. GIN RUMMY (7) continues to mix his form but was much better last start here when closing off nicely into the frame. Peaking now and is among the chances. A smaller case can also be made for the race-fit SON OF VADAMOS (4).
RACE 2 - PIRATE (1) was no match for an impressive winner last start in town but still did a good job to beat the rest of them home. Should be hitting his straps fourth-up and looks the one to beat. I AM A FINE LINE (12) progressed nicely here last start when chasing gamely to just miss the winner at long odds. Drawn sticky again but can go one better. SILVER LIFESTYLE (5) was only sound first-up but can improve sharply this time with the blinkers going on first time. ROUND TWO (4) has found some hot maidens so far and looks to face a more suitable assignment this time. Keeping safe fourth-up.
RACE 3 - SUPER LAD (4) has been solid in his first two runs back when finding the frame and should be peaking now. Has enough early toe to overcome the wide draw and the 2kg claimer sticks to get him in low at the weights. Bold showing anticipated. EMBELLISHER (3) never looked likely first-up when tackling a hot maiden but did manage to make some late inroads. Can improve sharply second-up for a smart barn. TOP OF THE RIDGE (2) returns. Showed positive signs in his debut prep and is expected to have come on nicely during the break. Has good tactical speed and should be in this for a long way. TERVOLA (8) was only fair on debut at Murray Bridge but will have taken benefit from the hit-out.
RACE 4 - THE DOLL (3) has been solid in her two runs back without scoring but should be peaking now and draws to get the gun run. Leading player. THE BIG WHEEL (2) lengthened nicely fresh to get close to just miss the winner when resuming here two weeks ago. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt but will need some luck from the draw. Watch for him taking the big strides late. KINDRA PARK (7) finds it tough to knock off the second win but has been thereabouts. Drops back to a winning trip and is in the mix. MELLIFLUENT (1) can improve sharply in his second start for the new stable.
RACE 5 - KING MOYA (4) is yet to strike through this campaign but has produced some solid efforts against tougher opposition. Was below his best last start but the form from the race has stacked up strongly. Gets help under the big weight with the 2kg claimer engaged. Tough to beat if he brings his A-game. TALKIN' ITALIAN (2) hasn't threatened in his last two starts but the form around him reads well. Is unbeaten at this venue and should be nearing his peak. Can give this a big shake. PRODIGAL LAD (5) settled back early when resuming here last start and let down strongly late to just miss the frame. Should improve second-up and gets a key booking in Toeroek but will likely drift right back from the draw. ROB THE BANK (1) dug deep to get the job done here last start. Boasts a strong record over the track and trip. Has to be considered. UTAH JOE (12) next best.
RACE 6 - Tricky race to assess with a lot of the main dangers spending a long time out of the winner's circle. HEADSMART (4) was much better last start at Port Lincoln when sticking on gamely into a narrow third. Is a three-time winner over this distance so should appreciate the added trip. SEAFARING (11) was solid first-up when just missing the frame. Carries upside but will need a smart steer from the draw. THE ICE CUTTER (12) has been thereabouts of late. Warmed nicely to his task late at Oakbank. Holds intrigue dropping back in trip on quick back-up. WE'VE GOTTA DEEL (9) next best.
RACE 7 - TYUSIX (6) dug deep to get the verdict here last start in this grade. Draws sticky again but gets in better at the weights with the 3kg claimer replacing Neindorf. Leading player. THE TANK (1) was a determined winner two back at Penola but was less effective last start when up in grade. Easier this time and is drawn perfectly for Holder. Can atone. Similar story for CROWN AND ANCHOR (2). Strikes a more suitable assignment this time and has enough early speed to offset the wide draw. Expect him to give backers a bold sight. GRINZINGER ALLEE (5) will settle back early and be saved for the final shot at them. Chance if they overdo it early.
RACE 8 - LASTAR (2) doesn't win out of turn but is knocking on the door and looks to have found his race. Is 1/1 at this venue and brings the right form. The one to beat. ALLEGEDLY (1) lengthened nicely to finish over the top and score here last start. Tackles a similar assignment and there's no reason he can't repeat the dose. TRES BELLE (12) was much better here last start when chasing gamely into third behind Allegedly. Meets the winner 2kgs better now and can reverse the result. TUPOLEU (4) has a stack of early speed and should take full advantage of his draw. Was a determined winner over this track and trip two back against similar opposition. Should be right there at the business end.
