Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FLORENCE GLASS (7) won here over a mile and then was better again, narrowly beaten this trip at Hobart. Positions forward and can go on with the job. Stablemate MATEUS (2) has been mixing trips but is going well and is on a 7-day return. The 1.5kg claim helps, and he can make the finish. WHOLESOME (6) was expected to win the Florence Glass race but didn't finish it off. He was stepping up from the mile and is worth another chance. IBUTHO (1) was much better last time coming back to a mile. He will be around the mark, putting his best foot forward.
RACE 2 - LADY FERN (12) keeps threatening and was backed off the map last time. The extra 100m should suit, and she deserves another chance. ARIANNA'S GOLD (11) is a threat, building on her narrow defeat here first-up. She went better than expected and draws the inside barrier. I'VE BEEN DREAMING (7) just missed at Hobart, and that stacks right up. The 3kg claim remains handy, but an outside gate curbs expectations somewhat. STAR WALKIN' (4) resumed with a 2L defeat here. Has an awkward gate, but with the extra fitness, should be around the mark.
RACE 3 - ANTHEIA (1) was backed off the mao winning a Maiden here comfortably. She races forward and draws low again. She can take the next step, retaining the handy 3kg claim and freshened. FLUFFY'S GIRL (5) is a better hope than her last two starts suggest. The Maiden win three back was indicative of better things to come, and winning hoop Darmanin is reunited, replacing the 3kg apprentice. Keep onside. PEAK A BOOM (4) has the rail and is racing well. Comes back a level and is on a 7-day return. BOUNTY BAY (7) maps well and is proven second-up. Sits low in the weights and also deserves consideration.
RACE 4 - A good contest. LONTANO (4) just missed in a 60 this trip off a CL1 win, and the latest stacks right up. Has a low gate and can bounce back. SHY GUY (1) stepped up to this trip and won a CL1 heavily bet. Peaks today on a quick backup and can keep the ball rolling. WILLINGLY (3) won as expected over 1400m 28 days ago. She's been kept up to the mark with a trial and can make the finish. RALPH THE ROCKET (5) peaks and will find this grade more suitable. The inside gate needs managing, but he gets in well and is in the mix.
RACE 5 - FLYING BILLIE (4) came back to form on the synthetic and then led here and blitzed the 60 graders by 3.3L. Strips fitter, and can go on with the job. KIREINA MARUBRAH (5) has a wide gate, but she improved sharply, winning a 60 comfortably from the front. Keeps the handy 3kg claim, and if she can skip across the field economically, she'll be right in it. LI'L HAIL MARY (6) went well first-up in better class, and is further improved. Gets in well with the 3kg claim and goes well second-up. Needs a good ride but is in the mix. APRIL'S DANCE (13) resumes with a top hoop sticking aboard. She has some ability, and no surprise if she races well.
RACE 6 - SH'BOURNE MIDNIGHT (3) has the outside barrier to deal with, but rates clear off an easy CL2 win, bet into the red. The small claim remains handy, and he just needs average luck. RIGOLETTO (7) is the danger. Improved again, narrowly beaten in better class, and he benefits from a 1.5kg claim. He can hit the line hard. DAYAN STAR (2) didn't have the best of it last time in a 68, but he's back on track and the top hoop stays aboard. He's been kept on the fresh side and should enjoy a soft run. GALLANT WARRIORS (4) gets in well with the 3kg claim and has more to give. In the mix.
RACE 7 - EARENDEL (1) was tipped out after his debut win on the synthetic. He returns owning 3 trials, which have all impressed. Maps okay, and he has a 1.5kg claim. He looks ready to go on with the job. MOHNAR (5) looked a run short first-up after a switch from a Victorian stable. She is proven second-up and has plenty up her sleeve. Darmanin stays aboard and will run her along from an inside barrier. THIN RED LINE (4) switched from a Victorian barn and was only beaten 2L from the front. He will be better for that and can't be taken lightly. THONATUS (7) resumes. May need one, but has prices of form that would see him competitive.
RACE 8 - A good contest. FIRST ACCUSED (1) is a three-time Stake winner who brings compelling form at that level. Comes back 200m freshened, and the 3kg claim brings him right into it. JAGUAR STONE (3) was a little plainer last time, but his two efforts prior read well. Maps to get all the favours and the top hoop replaces a 3kg apprentice. ZEWINNA (5) went close in a Group 3 two back and capped that with a 68 win. She's going to be very competitive as well.
RACE 9 - IN THE OCEAN (4) improved again, narrowly beaten here in stronger. He has won 2/2 third-up and rates to take plenty of a beating freshened. GEEGEE JET BY (1) peaks and has just missed this grade at his last two. He's a quinella hope. BOLD INSTINCT (3) is going better than the form line suggests. Went close last time behind Turk Warrior, and he has to be kept onside. PERIWINKLE (9) was in the firing line on the turn and finished second last start at the first run back from a spell over 1000m at Hobart, beaten half a length. It doesn't get any easier but on her best form she is capable of a big performance.
