Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - THE STREAKER (3) put the writing on the wall last start at Oakbank when reeled in late. Strips rock-hard fit and has enough tactical speed to offset the wide alley. Will give a great sight. GRINZINGER GOLD (1) was no match for a dominant winner last start but still did a good job to beat the rest home. Drop in trip suggests he's better suited sprinting and Milnes sticking is a good push. Obvious danger. REIBY PRINCESS (12) disappointed last start but was much better the run prior when beaten narrowly in a blanket finish. Smaller cases can be made for last start placegetters JUST THE POTION (9) and BUSTER DELLE (5).
RACE 2 - EASY GIRL (11) showed good tactical speed first-up but just faded late. Strips fitter for the hit-out and looks to strike an easier maiden. Well placed to get off the mark. THE REAL PRINCE (5) showed improvement second-up here when closing off soundly into a midfield finish. Should be nearing his peak now and gets a key booking in Crowther. Main danger. HARLEM GODFATHER (2) has been mixing his form but did go desperately close to shedding the tag here two back over this journey. Not as effective last start over the 1750m, suggest he will appreciate dropping back to this trip. EXPLOSIVO (6) hasn't been threatening the winner but has been doing enough to suggest he can be competitive. SURVEY LANE (4) finds the maiden win elusive but has some close finishes sprinkled through his form. Has been far from his best in his last two but is worth considering on best efforts.
RACE 3 - BANGERANG REDBACK (1) was a surprise winner in town last start, sprinting hard late to score by the narrowest of margins. Tackles an easier field and is drawn favourably, the big weight the only concern. THEBIGSOSSO (5) is ticking along nicely and boasts a handy record over this track and trip. Inside alley should see him get a gun run. SCARFACE (4) was a barnstorming winner here last start, arriving just in time to knock off Thebigsosso. Rises slightly in the weights but is still open to improvement. RIALTOR (6) made a mess of his rivals last start at Streaky Bay. This is tougher but he boasts a terrific record over this trip and carries a feather on his back with the claimer sticking. DANTELA (2) was far from her best last start but her form prior stacks right up. Don't dismiss lightly.
RACE 4 - MARINA (9) bounced back sharply third-up when beaten a neck at Penong. Open to further improvement and is drawn to advantage under the light weight. Bold showing anticipated. LAVA LAD (4) was much better last start at Streaky Bay when scoring with a bit up his sleeve. This isn't much tougher and wining hoop sticks. Can repeat the dose. CALL ME HERBIE (5) doesn't win out of turn but has been solid against stiffer opposition this campaign. Faces a challenge from the draw but deserves consideration on best figures. SWEETWILLHEBE (3) should find this easier and can sneak into the frame.
RACE 5 - SHORT STORIES (6) has put the writing on the wall in his last two. Boasts a handy record over this journey and is drawn to get the gun run. Bold showing anticipated. SUTADAMU (4) doesn't win out of turn but has peaks that measure up. Yet to score over this journey but has produced some solid efforts. Expect him to spear across from the wide draw and give backers a sight. SIR TOOP (2) lacks tactical speed but can produce a strong finishing burst. Will drift back from the draw under Crowther and is some hope to swoop late. JAMROCK (1) stuck on gamely into fourth when resuming at Strathalbyn. Strips fitter on the quick back-up and is among the chances. RIVERSIDE ROCK (11) next best.
RACE 6 - FIRST MAID (5) made light work of her rivals two back at Penong. Not as effective last start but did make some late inroads. Draws well and is expected to be well fancied again. ALFANO (13) hasn't lived up to market expectation here in his last two efforts but his form prior measures right up. Willing to give another chance. THE INEOS (9) hasn't looked likely in his last two when leaving himself with too much to do. Should appreciate the added trip and the blinkers go on first time to help sharpen him up. Milnes reuniting is a bonus. Last start winner OUR DIVINYL (7) also deserves serious consideration after making very light work of his rivals at Broken Hill. MIDNIGHT RULER (2) has been mixing his form but his best figures stack right up. Is a two-time winner over this course and distance. Has to be included.
RACE 7 - CATALINA BLUE (10) was a barnstorming winner here two back over the same journey. Followed it up with a strong chasing minor placing at Oakbank. Boasts a terrific record over this course and distance and is a leading contender. ZOUTONS (9) stalked the pace and lengthened nicely score softly here last start. Tougher this time and will need some luck from the draw but has gun hoop in Crowther sticking. Can repeat the dose. STRAWBERRY SWING (8) doesn't win out of turn but is knocking on the door. The drop in trip suits and she gets in well at the weights again with the claimer sticking. Don't take lightly. ALPHA FLIGHT (7) has been sound in his two runs back but is open to sharp improvement third-up. Expect him to roll forward and give backers a sight. Last start winner PRESCIENT (6) also deserves respect.
RACE 8 - ICHIBANSAN (1) was an impressive winner here two back but disappointed last start when well supported in Open company. Easier this time and can bounce back to winning ways. DANORO PRINCE (12) put the writing on the wall last start over this track and trip when missing by a lip. Has been kept fresh for this and drops significantly at the weights. Sets up nicely. SUPER VALENTINE (3) had Ichibansan's measure last start but now concedes weight. Has to be considered. PERSIAN EMPIRE (4) bit off more than he could chew last start when sent to town but his form prior reads favourably. Is a six-time winner over this journey and 1/1 over the course and distance. Don't overlook. MAHENO (8) got off the mark in terrific fashion here last start. This is obviously tougher but he deserves respect.
