Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MANHATTAN DRESS (8) two start maiden improving with racing. Finds a very weak contest here after improving to run second over 1410m at Grafton. Handles the conditions and gets a soft run. ROSSO NERO (3) hard fit now and capable of better in this contest after running seventh over 1400m at Grafton. Each way player. STAR OF KONGO (4) resumes from a lengthy break. Lost rider last time out over 1500m at Muswellbrook on September 10. Fitted with the one trial and capable of improving sharply. LIL' BIT VAIG (6) better showing when held on late in the heavy (9) going to secure fourth over 1210m at Port Macquarie a week-and-a-half ago. Goes close on the backup. THE BLUE SWAN LAKE (9) fitter with racing and looks the best of the rest with the claim.
RACE 2 - CRIMSON SPIRIT (11) improved sharply at her second run back when a dominant maiden winner over 1540m at the Gold Coast Poly on March 29. Expected to go on with it now over this trip with the claim. PRIDE OF SAVABELLA (12) looking for this journey fourth up after rattling late when third over 1400m at Rockhampton. Distance suits and gets in light with the 3kg claim. Will be attacking the line late. MAGADAN (5) back in trip after dropping out sharply when a month between runs for a fading seventh over 2200m at the Sunshine Coast. Back in grade can see him take a hand in the finish. SMOKIN' DE QUO (13) almost six weeks between runs when a tiring fifth over 1700m at Grafton last time out. Fitter now and expected to take a hand in the finish.
RACE 3 - VIALE (5) showed potential last prep and is expected to have strengthened over the break. Up in grade at the end of her prep when sixth over 1110m at Doomben on October 26. Given the one good trial and looks primed for this from the draw with the 3kg claim. Rates highly. PARETO (1) resumes after racing in some handy races in the city at her last two campaigns. Faded quickly in the heavy (10) going when last over 1200m at Doomben on November 30. Solid 1050m trial winner at the Gold Coast. Genuine top three contender. SEYMOUR STARS (8) resuming. Led throughout on debut when a comfortable winner as fav over 1000m at Grafton five months ago. Showed he's back to where he was last time in when a recent Grafton trial winner. Among the leading chances. DEEP STEALTH (10) both career runs have been sound and comes here in peak condition. Gets through all conditions and a senior rider is engaged.
RACE 4 - BRING ME SAKI (19) lightly raced gelding capable of shedding his maiden status in this easier contest. Returns from a let-up and now in the Stephen Lee yard. Faded late when sixth over 1350m at Doomben on January 22. Big improver over this trip. RAINBOW LASS (13) beaten for early speed before chipping away late when a poor seventh as $1.90 fav over 1100m at Grafton. Expected to bounce back quickly and will need a good ride from the gate. KIRRA'S SISTER (12) resumes from a lengthy break. Has performed well when fresh in the past and since fitted with a Grafton trial over 955. Should be right in this. RUM RUMBLE (9) lightly raced gelding resuming after failing to deliver in his first prep. Tuned up with a searching 1050m trial at the Gold Coast. Worth thought. The chances don't end there.
RACE 5 - VEANDECHANCE (6) improved sharply from the good barrier with a well-deserved victory over 1614m at Taree in the heavy (9) going last start. Can keep the winning momentum going from the low draw. CHANGE THE DATE (9) shuffled back early and held up in the straight when a disappointing tenth over 1175m at Grafton. Extra trip in his favour and has genuine each-way claims. SHERRIFF CODY (5) strong through the line over the unsuitable trip when third over 1175m at Grafton. Has a good record at this track and trip and no shock to see him finish over the top of these. SUKHBIR (7) was close enough on the turn but offered little in the straight when tenth over 1400m at Coffs Harbour. Lost his near fore plate during the race which could explain the poor run. Expecting more today.
RACE 6 - PRESSALONG (17) failed to make it three wins in succession when jumping in class for a disappointing last over 1200m at the Gold Coast in C4 grade last time out. Back to his right class and has excellent credentials on his home track. Goes close. WORTHY ESSGEE (7) kept fresh and will relish the drop in grade after running fourth over 1200m at Kilcoy on February 18. Right in this if he can find the form he displayed earlier in the prep. MISS MAZERATI (5) holding her form well and adept in all conditions. Will appreciate the claim again after rocketing late for a game fourth over 1007m at Taree. Goes close on the backup. EGOTISTIC (4) returned from a lengthy spell with the big weight when a tenacious third over 1106m at Grafton. Her second up record is just as strong and she's right in this.
RACE 7 - DEEP STEALTH (15) both career runs have been sound and comes here in peak condition. Gets through all conditions and had excuses after striking trouble at the start when third over 1000m at Grafton. Expected to go close. RAISED BY WOLVES (11) drops in weight after launching late when a close-up fifth over 1210m at Port Macquarie in the heavy conditions at latest. Leading player on the backup. CLUBHOUSE (1) turned in a modest performance when seventh last start over 1350m at Ipswich, beaten 5.5 lengths. Has a good record here and assess on earlier efforts. Bounces back from the draw. SHE'S ENUFF (7) drops in weight and trip after fading in the heavy (8) going when eighth over 1610m at Grafton. Assess on her good win two back.
RACE 8 - PER CAPITA (3) smart on his day and undefeated on his home track. Came from near last on the turn when an unlucky second over 1400m at Grafton in similar company. Tempo suits and has the figures to take this out. KEY LEGEND (1) chasing his fourth win from six starts and like the way he attacked the line with the 61kg when scoring over 1420m at Grafton. Gets map favours here and can win again. CASEBOLT (12) has returned in good order this preparation and gives the impression she's ready for this trip after finishing a narrow third over 1181m at Grafton. Each way contender. EXPLICABLE (2) kept fresh for this and the visors come off after disappointing when tenth over 1700m at Ipswich. Ran second in a 900m Gold Coast trial and his lone victory came over this trip. Respect.
