Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FIRE AND LIGHT (2) is unlucky to still be a maiden hitting the top-four in all seven starts this time in work and strikes a very winnable contest here. Graham sticks in the saddle following the last two runner-up finishes and should be right there when the judge calls a halt. VERMILION KIRIN (5) hasn't been too far off them in all three runs this campaign and will be ready for the step-up in trip now. Looms as the main danger. BOLERO (9) has placed four of her past five outings and only needs some luck navigating from the sticky draw to be playing a role in the outcome. OUT OF LUCK (4) best of the rest.
RACE 2 - STARSONUS (1) has been knocking on the door of a maiden victory placing at his past four starts and Maloney stays on board following the past two efforts. Boasts a placing over this distance range and rates the testing material against this lot. FIRST MAN (2) has hit the top-five in all five career outings to date and will strip fitter second-up from the spell. Can feature in the finish again. NATIONAL INTEREST (5) has placed two from three over this track and trip and looks a must for the exotics players. BOROGORU (10) rounds out the selections.
RACE 3 - Tricky race to assess with a few of these facing the starter for the first time. Of the raced brigade GUAC ON (3) was well in the market on debut and where there's smoke there's fire. Keep very safe from the Schweida barn. QUARRY MAN (5) is on debut but has shown ability at the trials and any market support must be noted. RUPESTRIS (6) is another at the races for the first time but draws low and Mallyon sticks in the saddle following a couple of handy trials. A strong run would not surprise. SHORTCUT (18) next best with Jones on board.
RACE 4 - EXPRESS PAYMENT (2) grows a leg for hoop Bayliss who has three wins and two placings from just eight steers and will be high on confidence following that last-start Ipswich victory. Has saluted over this track and trip and looks the one they all have to run down. SMART AS SMART (7) has a handy record over this distance range with two wins and two placings from eight attempts and will be at peak fitness for this fourth-up from the spell. Looks certain to play a role in the outcome. TEXAS FIREBALL (5) found the frame in an improved performance last time out and rates a top-three contender on best form. KIRIKAN (8) doesn't win out of turn but has hit the top five in nine of his past ten starts and is one for the multiples. FEATHERTOP (6) best of the rest.
RACE 5 - DEVINE FORCE (3) is a bit of a hit or miss galloper but is more than capable on his day. Strips fitter second-up from the break and is drawn to get all the favours from the inside alley. Should be right there when the whips are cracking. ALPHA BRAVO (2) has placed two of three around this circuit and will be rock-hard fit for this. Among the leading hopes. The well-related SOCRAZYINLOVE (8) (half to G3 winner and G2 placed Miss Roseiano) is first-up here but the form she showed in her first preparation was good enough to feature in a race like this. Can play a role while fresh. BENGAL DIAMOND (10) strips fitter fourth-up, gets some weight off with the claim and draws low. Ticks a few boxes. VIALE (11) next in line from the astute barn.
RACE 6 - Cracking contest. PRE EMINENCE (1) wasn't too far off them when trying to lead all the way on resumption and will have come on with that run now in the locker. Drawn to sit up on speed again from the inside marble and should give backers a sight. SIMPLY EXCELS (2) is one from one over this trip and gets the reliable Gollan/Maloney combination. Likely improver with strong prospects. MAIKROW (6) is knocking on the door of another victory with three consecutive runner-up finishes and has to be included in calculations. KING POTTER (4) strips fitter second-up from the break and can feature with the right run. DAZZLING DIAMOND (12) goes well for Collis and gets in light with his claim. In the mix.
RACE 7 - JOHN RAMBO (7) returned to the winners' stall when resuming and looks to have come back in very good order. Is a two-time winner over this track and trip and winning rider Harley sticks in the saddle. Should prove hard to toss again. TOWN CRIER (4) has gone bang bang to start the campaign and is racing with a lot of confidence. Can certainly bring up the hat-trick from the favourable draw. BOHEMIAN LAD (5) resumes here but is yet to miss the top-two in four first-up attempts and a strong showing while fresh would not surprise. The well-related EMPEROR (2) (half to 2xG1 winner Joliestar) next in line.
RACE 8 - CHIEF WITNESS (1) has looked good since joining the new stable including a win and a second from two attempts over this course and distance. Gets some weight off with the 2kg claim and can continue the rich vein of form. LUMENS LENNY (15) returned to the winners' stall with a solid Ipswich victory last time out and looks ready for the step-up in trip now. Top-three candidate. ANAVINCI (2) is better than recent efforts suggest and is another to get some weight relief. In the mix. BOYS NIGHT OUT (4) strips fitter second-up from the spell and gets Mallyon on board from the low draw. Keep in mind. BETTER BE NORDY (11) next best.
