Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - PLATINUM REGGAE (5) was fifth in her first run in Tasmania on the turf here nearly 7 weeks ago. She has the pole position this time, and with Anthony Darmanin in the saddle this time, she can settle a lot closer early on. She is making her poly track debut and should be in the top 3 this time. SIENA WOLF (6) resumes from a spell that would have done her the world of good. She has been placed in both of her starts on this track, and this lightly tried 5-year-old mare will be among the hardest to hold out fresh up. NEED A GIGGLE (2) has been trying to win a race for some time, but is meeting a very modest field fresh up. Include in all combinations. ROCKESTJERNE (8) is a juvenile making his debut in a very winnable race. He was close up in a recent Longford trial, and any market confidence is worth following.
RACE 2 - FILLENTINA (9) has been racing well enough this prep and is still showing her customary early speed. The key this time is the drop back from 1100m to 1009, and she may be able to see it through to the end this time, especially with the aid of a 3kg claim. KLIMENKO (5) raced greenly on debut and was a beaten favourite, and then put it all together to score easily by a length at Devonport 17 days ago. She has plenty of scope, and providing that she can handle a poly track, she can win again. GETCHA GROOVE ON (4) won her maiden on this surface in her penultimate start and then was not far away with the blinkers on last time out, finishing fifth. She has a better draw this time and can bounce straight back into the money. AMANT FRANCAIS (7) is showing promise and was a fair fourth on a soft track at Hobart 15 days ago. Top hoop David Pires replaces an apprentice and the pair merits healthy respect.
RACE 3 - LEO DAVINCI (2) has been heading the right way with his form since making the move from the mainland last year. The key third up is the rise in trip from 1100m to 1350, and he should go close to taking this out. THE MOUNTAINEER (4) was beaten by half a length here in his penultimate start and then was again close up in third at Launceston 17 days ago. He is bred to relish more ground, and his first win is not far away. BAYSIDE (1) has been given plenty of time to mature before making his debut, and he was third in a Longford trial at the start of the month. He will improve on whatever he does here, but the field is not strong, so watch closely. DIAMOND SUNRISE (6) has been battling over a mile and can improve back in trip on the poly track here. A good draw helps, include in all combinations.
RACE 4 - ZUNI (6) failed in her only run on this poly track, but that was earlier in her career. She is a lot stronger now and was an all-the-way winner at Launceston in her penultimate start before finishing a game fourth there 10 days ago. Stick with her. MEGA MIC (3) has found some form since transferring from Victoria earlier in the season, and after a smart win fresh up, he was third last start. He still has more to come and will be right in the finish again. BERSERKER (4) was only beaten by a head on this track 2 starts back before finishing third at Hobart just over a fortnight ago. He is still on the up with his fitness, and a 3kg claim has him well-placed to figure in the finish again. Each way. SPRING BEAN (2) made some good progress during his spring campaign, winning twice. He resumes from a spell with a trial win under his belt. Don't underestimate his winning claims.
RACE 5 - CAPTAIN CAM (3) is a very consistent performer who has returned in great shape this year with 2 wins from 4 starts and being only narrowly beaten in the other couple. He was too strong in this grade against 3 others last time out, and after a claim, he carries the same weight. The poly track is no problem, and he can win again. ARUMA (2) looked to be back to somewhere near her best again when finishing third at Launceston 10 days ago. She is down in class, and with 2 wins already on this surface, she will be right in the finish again. CARNEROS (1) handles a poly track just as well as the turf and was a game third over a mile at Hobart just over a fortnight ago. The drop in trip is no problem, and he is always an each-way chance in these types of races. MYWORDIS (4) has not won for some time but saves his best for the poly track here. He drops 3kg from his last start third, thanks to a claim, and can figure in the finish again.
RACE 6 - BLOOMTIME (2) fought on gamely fresh up at Launceston 10 days ago, finishing second by half a length. She will find this easier, and with winning form on this track in the past, she can go one better. CHEROKEE DANCER (3) capped off some solid form line with a brave win at Launceston 17 days ago. She has not missed a cheque in 3 starts on this track, including 2 wins, and won't find this much harder than her last start. With 2.5kg less to carry, she can repeat the dose. GEEGEES CITY BOY (1) showed a liking for this surface earlier in the season, and his recent freshen up would have done him no harm. If he doesn't need the run, then he will be hard to hold out again. GUNSHIP (9) made the most of a handy 3kg claim when scoring third up at Launceston 10 days ago. He copes with a poly track, and is well worth each-way consideration as his fitness continues to improve.
RACE 7 - AL MAXIMUS (2) has turned a corner in his last 3 starts, and started his good run of form 3 starts back with a comfortable win on this track in March. He has a future over ground and can continue to hold his form this season. Stick with him on top. MOORBOOZIE (6) was put aside after 1 modest run in the spring before resuming with a neck defeat at Launceston 17 days ago over a mile. He has a terrific record on this poly track over the trip, and can go one better. CHICANE (1) turned his form around with a nose win at Launceston over a mile 10 days ago. He benefits from a 3kg claim and normally holds his form when fit. Stick with him on an each-way basis. POP A HONDA (13) has been thereabouts in two of his past three starts. Both career wins have come at this track.
