Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - LADY FERN (5) has been narrowly beaten at Hobart her last two, cruelled by slow starts. Pires replaces the apprentice today, and she can sit closer in the small field. She sets a decent standard. KLIMENKO (3) trialled sharply and was backed into the red on debut. She raced new and had a poor recovery. She's won a trial by a big space since and has the in-form Bingley's 1.5kg claim. Deserves another chance. ARIANNA'S GOLD (2) resumes and looked good in her recent trial. She's likely to be right in it. The top hoop takes over on LADY BE COOL (4), and we may see a better effort.
RACE 2 - MERLIN BEACH (7) switched from a top Victorian yard and has been narrowly beaten both runs for the Stevenson yard. Stepped up to the mile last time, bet $2.40 and he has more up his sleeve. The one to beat. MANHATTAN NIGHTS (6) finished a lip ahead of the above in the same contest. He's been up a while but again, is sure to race well. ICE CRYSTAL (10) ran her best race, beaten 0.7L at Hobart over 1430m. She led in that and laid out in the straight. She's in the mix. ALPINE EDWARD (1) will present fitter, and the leading hoop replaces the apprentice. He can fill a minor slot.
RACE 3 - DUBAI AFFAIR (9) peaks off narrow defeats this track/trip. She will settle forward and a leading striker sticks aboard. She finds the right race. BUNKER JAKO (3) debuts and has looked sharp at the trials. Pires sticks from the latest and he's likely to use the inside gate to advantage. The betting will be key. THE MOUNTAINEER (2) switched from a Victorian barn and just missed on the synthetic. He's been giving away starts, but is good enough at best. SURPRISE SECRET (10) was only beaten 2L at Hobart first-up and is sure to improve on that. Maps well and keep onside.
RACE 4 - GEEGEES MISTY (7) has missed a whisker twice this track/distance and peaks off those. She raced favourite the latest and should enjoy a soft run from the inside barrier. Ready to win. FLYING BILLIE (4) switched barns and resumed beaten 1L on the synthetic. He will be fitter and is just as good on the turf. MCSWEYN (3) goes well third-up, and a talented apprentice is engaged. He's back plenty in grade and gets his chance. SANDUAL (1) is hard to catch, but the shorter sprint may suit better. He would need to put his best foot forward.
RACE 5 - MOHNAR (4) resumes and has switched from a Victorian stable. Her best is good enough, and she's trialled sharply. Has a low gate and the leading hoop is aboard. KUSINI (1) resumes and has switched from the top Victorian yard. She has placed 2/3 fresh and is up to this presented on song. The inside barrier should be an advantage. CHEROKEE DANCER (3) is back in grade after a solid effort at Hobart. She's been threatening a win, and the 3kg claim brings her right into it. CAPABELLE (8) is also racing well enough to feature in a competitive race.
RACE 6 - Competitive. HARTFELT (2) was backed off the map, breaking Maidens over this distance. Rode the speed over a mile following and folded up badly (vet cleared). He's back after two weeks and is better placed this trip. He'll carry just 53.5kg with the 3kg claim and can bounce back. BILLIE THE GREAT (6) won her Maiden comfortably well-supported and has more to offer. Has the inside barrier the the leading jockey replaces the 3kg apprentice. THIN RED LINE (3) has switched barns on a 41-day return and brings strong relative form from Victoria. Maps well and is a chance if presented on song. DIESEL'S SUNSHINE (5) runs along and missed a whisker here this grade/trip last time. She also deserves consideration.
RACE 7 - Tricky. GODDESS OF ROCK (6) stepped up to this trip with immediate effect, winning a 68 at Hobart. She has an awkward gate but will strip fitter and is likely to go on with it. LONTANO (1) missed 1L here and then came back and finished hard when delivering a CL1 over this trip. Maps better today and has decent claims. THE PRAYER (4) was back on the turf, placing close-up here last time. Keeps the leading jockey on a quick backup. Hard to catch, but can't be ruled out. DESIGNER DREAMER (5) will be around the mark again.
RACE 8 - CAPTAIN CAM (2) deserved the CL3 win and followed with a near miss this grade. Peaks today and races forward. He can bounce back into the winner's stall. The speedy LORD WHITEGATE (4) led and posted a strong figure winning a 60 easily, and then didn't finish the race off at this level. He draws to advantage and will be sharper over the shorter sprint. GALLANT WARRIORS (3) needed the first-up outing but is proven second-up. Gets in well with the 3kg claim and would be in the finish at best. LI'L HAIL MARY (5) resumes and has trialled well. She goes okay fresh, and Darmanin is a key jockey engagement. Maps well and keep safe.
