Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - TOSINSKY (6) strips fitter now with the 3kg claim after closing off strongly on resumption when second over 1200m at Tamworth. Shouldn't be a maiden for long. BRAND NEW MOON (7) back in trip and having his first start for the Mel O'Gorman yard. Blinkers go on and gets the claim from the low draw. No surprise to see him in the frame. CLEVER ILLUSION (1) has just missed the top-three at his last few runs, the latest when fourth over 1312m at Taree. In the mix. STAINLESS STEEL (5) four-year-old gelding who grabbed his first minor placing in a maiden at Grafton last start.
RACE 2 - DESCENDING MIST (6) dropped in distance when running on late to run sixth over 1500m at Muswellbrook. Go on his fighting second two back over this track and trip. Major player in this line-up. MIMESSI (8) was unsuited last time out when six weeks between runs for a dismal last over 1400m at Grafton. Out to his right trip today and looking for a much better showing. NATURE BOY (4) has an okay record here and back in trip after tiring badly when sixth over 2400m at Wellington. Backs up quickly and is expected to return to form. WAITAPU (5) form since resuming has been disappointing, last start finishing fifth over 2100m at Tamworth. Can bounce back.
RACE 3 - ROSES IMMINENTE (3) raced without luck all prep and finds her race today. Up in grade and trip when snagged back from the wide draw before catching the eye when fourth over 1450m at Muswellbrook in C3 class. Maps well and set to give this a shake. SIRIUS FLYER (4) in leading country stable and rewarded for his consistency when a determined winner over 1350m at Beaumont (Newcastle). Relishes the conditions and senior rider on. Follow up. CAPZINZI (2) finished in the minor money at her last four runs and backs up quickly. Will hold a forward position and play a leading role. HARDASH (5) ploughed through the heavy (9) going when getting off the mark at start thirteen as fav when scoring over 1312m at Taree. Drops further in weight and stays in the mix. RETHINK IT (6) won this track and trip and returns from a let-up. Minor money claims.
RACE 4 - SNATCHREILLY (1) four runs back have been excellent and has his hoof on the till. A repeat of his tough on pace third over 1150m at Beaumont (Newcastle) will see him go close. Ticks all the boxes with the claim from the low draw. CASCAN (9) back sharply in trip after failing to make an impression when sixth over 1600m at Tamworth. Undefeated here and no shock to see her bounce back. ALMOST MAYBE (2) back from a lengthy break. Created a big impression on debut when a commanding 4-length winner over 1100m at Coonamble last October. Given one soft trial and must be kept safe. BAKHITA (7) has not raced since scoring over 1100m at this track on November 18. Did finish in the money first-up last prep at Tamworth over 1000m. Has claims.
RACE 5 - RELUCTANT DIVA (11) nice filly expected to get off the mark today. Strong late when a handy fourth over 1000m at Scone two-and-a-half weeks ago. Extra trip in her favour from the good gate. ATOKA (14) comes here hard fit and finding that maiden win elusive. Was a week between runs when a plugging fifth over 1000m at Scone. Placed in the heavy conditions and this looks easier. IKNOWYOU (6) up in trip third up when sitting on the speed before dropping out sharply when eighth over 1500m at Muswellbrook. Not far away two back and worth another chance. PURPLE KITTY (4) racing well and although without a win has been in the money two times from three starts. Finished third at his most recent appearance over 1007m at Taree. Can feature.
RACE 6 - STRAAND CARE (7) total forgive from the wide draw when going out fast and knocking up late to run fifth over 1000m at Muswellbrook. In peak condition and will prove hard to beat in this easier grade. DUNE AND DUSTED (3) five weeks between runs when a tough fifth over 1000m at Grafton. Fitter now and the extra trip is in his favour. SWANBROOK GEM (12) kept finding in the heavy (8) conditions when a narrow fifth over 1106m at Grafton. Gets in light again and expected to go close. RAYMOND'S REWARD (11) stepping out at this circuit for the first time. Last appeared when he finished 12th over 1600m at Terang on February 14. Look for an improved run here.
RACE 7 - THE GREAT ARMADA (2) tough gelding carrying the big weights well in similar company. Backs up quickly chasing right to the line when third over 1280m at Muswellbrook. Gets weight relief again from the draw and expected to go close. WAYDIE (7) dropped in class and returned good figures when a slick on pace winner over 1400m at Gunnedah. Tough draw today but gets weight relief again. Each way. JUST JACKY (14) outclassed at the provincials from the sticky draw when failing to get into the contest, running ninth over 1300m at Beaumont (Newcastle). Assess on his good second two back. Has top four claims. CASEBOLT (9) found form at her last two outings and adept in all conditions. Value player. DEVOTED DEPUTY (5) has a good record over this track and trip and like the way he rounded them up when scoring over 1250m at Gunnedah last time out. Worth thought again.
