Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - LADY OLENNA (2) well bred filly who came out quickly on debut before tiring late when second over 1000m at this track. Firmer surface and the low draw will see her go close. THE PICCOLINO (9) nine start maiden back in class after running a respectable second over 1150m at Beaumont (Newcastle) in the heavy (8) going. Placed here three runs back and capable of giving this a shake. RODEO DEALER (1) desperate for a firmer surface after struggling when fifth over 1250m at Newcastle. Has a good record over this distance and can play a leading role. SCARLET MONARCH (8) resumed for her second prep when a narrow fifth over 1000m at Tuncurry. Fitter now and not to be underestimated.
RACE 2 - RAIL TRAIL (6) finished runner up at both runs back and comes here hard fit from the good draw. Led them up in the heavy (8) conditions before fading late when second over 1000m at Wellington. Finds a winnable race and the firmer track can see him get off the mark. NAFTALI (4) nice return when catching the eye late to finish a solid fifth over 1000m at Muswellbrook with the 58.5kg. Tempo and the extra trip are in his favour. WANAVAN (8) fitter after three runs back and looking for this distance now. Chipped away late when fifth over 1000m at Dubbo. Can take a hand in the finish. HE'STHECHIEF (3) has been trialling well so is worth keeping safe on debut.
RACE 3 - DE LOUVIERE (1) closed off strongly last start to get up for second, beaten 0.7 lengths, over 2100m at Wyong. Leading player again. WITTELSBACH (12) was out of the money on debut two runs back then again missed the frame last start when she was always well out of her ground over 1890m at Newcastle, beaten 3.5 lengths into sixth. Has the ability to produce a better result. ROCK ALL NIGHT (9) is a three-start maiden who could only manage to finish fourth after being in contention on the corner at her latest appearance over 1890m at Newcastle. Cannot be ruled out in this suitable assignment. DEEMEE (3) turned things around last start when winning over 2200m at Dubbo. Looks well placed to figure in the money again.
RACE 4 - FORTISSIMO (9) justified the heavy support on debut when a comfortable winner over 1000m at this track three-and-a-half weeks ago. Will keep improving as he gets up in trip and capable of winning again. NEW PHAROAH (1) rewarded for his consistency with a gritty maiden victory over 1400m at Tamworth. Has since won a 1000m Tamworth trial and comes here in peak condition. Main danger. CALL ME TERRY (5) has his hoof on the till after finishing in the minor money at his last two outings. Attacked the line late when second over 1600m at Dubbo. Capable of finishing over the top of them if they overdo it up front. IVY DIVA (8) back in class and worth noting her lone win came at this track. Copped a bump at the start and failed to threaten when tenth over 1200m at Tamworth. Best figures can see her run into the minor money.
RACE 5 - MISS CAPITALE (13) handy filly who was a big drifter in betting on debut when a sharp winner over 1106m at Port Macquarie. Kept up to the mark with a recent Warwick Farm trial. Can get the job done again in this stronger contest. COSMIC TREASURE (11) failed to get through the heavy conditions when seventh over 1300m at Beaumont (Newcastle) on March 24. Improving surface can see her bounce back. NAVY STEEL (7) recorded his first win on resumption in the rain affected going over 1000m at Wellington. Poorly drawn for this and Braith Nock retains the ride. Place best. SPEEDY HENRY (9) resumes after giving them a galloping lesson on debut when leading throughout over 1000m at Dubbo last December. Fitted with the one 900m trial and stays in the calculations.
RACE 6 - LEOVANNI (5) comes here in peak condition and had excuses when jumping slowly before launching late to finish second over 1400m at Canberra. Well drawn again and will prove hard to stop if she jumps cleanly. SPENZALOT (4) is a promising type who shouldn't be a maiden for long. Went forward and failed to finish off in the heavy going when fourth over 1350m at Beaumont (Newcastle). Kept up to the mark with a 900m trial placing and represents a danger. PIERONIMO (9) wasn't too far away from the placings in three provincial runs last time in. Keep safe fresh. THINK OF ONE (2) draws well and could play a role.
RACE 7 - BRIGHELLA (9) resumes and now in the Ray Hartley yard. Only the one win from seven starts in Victoria. Capable of sprinting well fresh after disappointing last time in. Placed at Sandown over this trip four runs back. Look for him late. KANTISHNA (7) smart filly going nicely through her grades. Comes out of a strong race after finishing a close up sixth over this trip at Muswellbrook. Kept ticking over with a 900m trial and looks hard to stop. TOTOKA (3) raced with distinction in town last time in and expected to sprint well fresh first up. Given the one 820m trial and can make her presence felt. PEARLS TREASURE (8) outclassed last time out when ninth over 1000m at Wyong in BM64 grade. Assess on earlier runs and the booking of Aaron Bullock is a positive move. Each way.
RACE 8 - Tough race to end the day. POINT BASSE (2) ready to peak now fourth up and gives the impression this trip will suit. Drifted back and covered ground in the run when third over 1450m at Muswellbrook in CL3 grade. Norton bit goes on and expect to see him race closer from the low draw. SANZENO (10) desperate for this trip now after failing to sprint with them when sixth over 1400m at Dubbo. On the quick backup and the stable is having a great run at present. SEETHING SEB (4) failed to fire in two runs this prep but capable of better as he gets out to his preferred trip. Comes out of a strong rating race after finishing last over 1500m in the Muswellbrook Cup. Will settle closer today from the draw. Value prospect. Mus respect winning form with ROCKBARTON ANGEL (14).
