Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HIDDEN MOTIVE (2) comes here with race experience and fitness on his side third up. Yet to draw a decent gate this prep and will appreciate the drop in grade today. Stalked the speed from the awkward gate when fading late to finish third to Grand Eagle over this trip at Randwick. Will roll forward again and prove hard to run down. PIMLICO (6) smart two-year-old colt by Extreme Choice from Coco As In Chanel on debut. Held in high regard by the O'Shea & Charlton yard and fitted with three good trials. Looks ready to go from the low draw. MYSTERIOUS MASTER (4) colt by Tagaloa out of La Magique on debut for the Waterhouse & Bott stable. Has shown enough in three sharp trials and gets his chance from the low draw. OFFENBACH (5) resumed for his second prep with an encouraging second over 900m at Newcastle in the heavy (8) going. Extra trip suits and worth plenty of thought.
RACE 2 - QUEEN'S RHAPSODY (1) progressive filly resuming after finishing runner up in all four career runs in town. Bumped into some handy types last time in and her two recent trial wins suggest she's set for a good preparation. Gets every chance with Stanley's 3kg claim. DONWON (2) excellent return when closing off strongly to secure second over 1100m at Canterbury. Has solid figures over this track and trip and shouldn't be a maiden for long. STEP QUICK (10) trained locally and comes here in peak condition. Big jump in class when sitting on the pace to finish a fighting second over 1000m at Wyong. Latham sticks and capable of taking a hand in the finish. MISSIE LEE (9) snagged back from the wide gate at her second career run when a plugging fifth over 1000m at Goulburn. Extra trip in her favour and sure to be strong late.
RACE 3 - SMOTHER (2) returns from a lengthy break after running on strongly in two career runs in town. Wasn't asked to do much when last in a recent trial at Newcastle over 920m in the heavy going. Should get the right tempo and will be attacking the line late. RAINBOW GODDESS (9) resuming today but will be fitter for a recent trial, looks a place chance. CENTURY SONG (3) resuming from a spell. Ran seventh in a trial at Warwick Farm. Opened last campaign with a third at Moruya over 1010m. Can feature. INDIE MAE (7) returns from a lay-off. Ran fourth in a recent trial at Warwick Farm. One for the minors.
RACE 4 - CARNEGIE HILL (2) resumes after finishing thereabouts in three runs last campaign. Fitted with two even trials and will appreciate McMurray's 1.5kg claim with the blinkers going back on. Will hold a forward position and play a leading role. AGENT ZERO (10) kept safe in betting on debut when a fading fifth over 1100m at Canterbury in the heavy (9) conditions. Looking for this trip now and capable of taking this out. RIGHTEOUS LEGEND (6) lightly raced gelding who turned in a commendable effort when resuming in the heavy (8) going to finish second over 1250m at Newcastle. Will keep improving as he steps out in trip. Each-way. PREDICTING (5) will be rock-hard fit now following a nice effort at Wyong last start when second. In the mix.
RACE 5 - OKAMI STAR (7) confidence is high now after relishing the heavy (10) going when scoring a determined maiden victory at start thirteen over 1600m at Wyong. Drops in weight and good enough to play a leading role. OCEAN DIVA (8) came out positive at her second run back when a fighting on pace second over 1600m at Gosford. Gets a similar set up today and a win looks imminent. LADY SUPERSPY (5) kept fresh for this after chipping away late on resumption when sixth over 1400m at Kembla Grange on April 15. Since fitted with a trial placing over 1200m at Beaumont (Newcastle). Has won second up and not to be underestimated. STYLEBENDER (9) took control a long way from home last start when he scored a stylish win at Muswellbrook. Can go on with it.
RACE 6 - CASSIEL (1) smart gelding with the tidy record of two wins from four starts. Resumed with a commanding on pace win over 1100m at Canterbury in this class. McEvoy retains the ride and expect to see him go quickly through his grades this time in. MAJESTUOSO PHOENIX (5) third up for this and like the way he attacked the line from the outside gate when a narrow second over 1000m at Goulburn. Leading rider booked and sure to be thereabouts again. DIAL OF DESTINY (7) got off the mark at start seven with a well-deserved on pace victory over 1200m at Gosford. Gets map favours and will give a ton of cheek. DON'T FORGET JACK (2) resumes from a lengthy break after contesting much stronger races at his last two preparations. Fitted with two searching trials and look for him closing off strongly.
RACE 7 - CORDINA (4) tough filly racing well in her first campaign. Fifth up for this and back in trip after finishing a gritty third over 1200m at Canterbury. Can stalk the fast tempo and prove hard to stop late. BE QUIET (5) up in trip and just over a month between runs when a fading fifth over 1200m at Canterbury in the heavy (8) going. Further improved now and the blinkers and tongue tie go on for the first time. Leading prospect. NYMPHADORA (3) frustrating filly who finally got off the mark at her first run back. Even performance when a plugging seventh over 1200m at Kembla Grange. Blinkers come off and all her form has been over this track and trip. Respect. MERCANTILIST (6) justified the short price on debut ($1.70 fav), when a tough 1200m winner at Gosford on March 15. Since ran fifth in a 1000m Wyong trial. Blinkers go on and capable of playing a leading role again.
RACE 8 - SHANGRI LA IMPACT (12) two start maiden looking for this trip. Sat on the speed in the heavy conditions when a game second to Dark Arts over 1550m at Canterbury. Can slide across from the wide draw and prove hard to run down. EL PASO (4) handy Dundeel gelding starting to put it all together. Three weeks between runs when demolishing an average field in the heavy conditions with a slick 2.75 len win over 1850m at Newcastle. Has the upside to go on with it now. DE LOUVIERE (1) only the one win from nine starts and unlucky not to have a few more wins to his record. Got well out of his ground before powering late when third over 2132m at Goulburn. Good enough to finish over the top of these. AMARAM (6) was in the leading division around the bend before fading out of it to finish fifth at Warwick Farm six weeks ago. Respect any market moves.
