Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ZIPPITY DOODAH (8) made a bright return when finishing a close second over a similar trip at Murray Bridge. Strips fitter now and strikes a very winnable maiden. Ready. GREAT CITY (1) finds the maiden win elusive but took a solid step forward at Oakbank last start, working home well to finish just under a length off the winner in third. Can make his presence felt again. EAGLE MOON (4) also ran a close third last time, finishing alongside Zippity Doodah, sitting handy and sticking on gamely. Right in the mix if he repeats that performance. PENDING HEART (2) has savaged the line in his two runs back. Gets the chance to settle closer this time and strikes a winnable race. STAR CASINO (7) was sound on return over 1200m at Bordertown and should take good improvement from that effort. Stepping up in trip suits and he's one to include in exotics.
RACE 2 - FOXY FROST (3) progressed nicely at the latest when sticking on gamely into a narrow second at Oakbank. Cherry-ripe fitness now and gets a great chance to get off the mark. THE LAST FLASH (8) finds it tough to break the ice but has threatened on many occasions, most recently missing by a lip. The form is there to warrant respect. SMOKIN' EYES (13) was well supported last start but failed to fire at Bordertown. Can be forgiven and still appeals on her second-up effort at Clare. Give another chance. PENNY BANG BANG (5) is improving and is one for multiples. THE POSTIE (9) has struggled of late but did show glimpses earlier in the prep. Keeping safe.
RACE 3 - DREAM BABY (9) has returned in good order and is knocking on the door. Expect him to be hitting his straps now out to a mile. Leading player. GOODNITE MOON (10) debuts for a top juvenile yard and brings serious pedigree being out of NZ G1 winner Shez Sinsational. Trialled well and should be respected on debut with a strong push in early markets likely. RHINESTONE RORY (3) resumes over the mile, which appears a good kick-off for her. Draws to stalk the pace and can keep finding if close enough. LES VOSGES (4) should find this easier. Likely to get back and run on. Worth including. UKI RAIN (5) next.
RACE 4 - RIKKI RIKKARDO (8) charged home to miss by a whisker over a similar trip last start at Murray Bridge. Goes up in the weights dropping back to a CL1 but is drawn to get all the favours and looks the one to beat. AMBITIOUS CREEK (2) is struggling to land his second win but was game in defeat last time, finishing third over 2150m at Oakbank after racing handy throughout. Strips rock0hard fit and should give another bold sight. KAILEE'S BOY (4) comes through the same race, where he faded to fourth after looming up on the bend. That followed a strong Balaklava win. No reason he can't give this a shake. ESTEFAN (7) finally put it all together at Murray Bridge, breaking his maiden in style over 2000m. With the confidence boost, he's one to keep very safe now that he's found his groove. MOANA'S FORTUNE (11) is an improving type that can make his presence felt.
RACE 5 - FLYING ASSASSIN (1) showed solid improvement last start, closing well to finish a close fourth at Mt Gambier. With that momentum, he looks primed for a forward showing. SEAFARING (8) hasn't landed a win for some time but continues to tease. Will appreciate the drop in grade on the quick back-up and is more than capable of getting the job done. KIRKLISTON BLU (3) holding off challengers to win narrowly over 2000m at Bordertown. Bit tougher this time but he could be ready to go on with it. KING OF AVALON (2) was a touch flat last start, but has the talent to turn things around and could easily feature in the finish. SPLASH LANDING (7) hit the line nicely last start at Bordertown and now rises sharply in trip. Keeping safe.
RACE 6 - MADAM JEANETTE (8) hasn't threatened in her last couple but has been tackling much stronger company. Drops back sharply in grade and has enough speed to offset the wide alley and land in a nice spot. Bold showing anticipated. DAISYDOO (4) impressed in breaking her maiden at Balaklava, surging clear to win by over 2L. She looks to have more up her sleeve and rates a big threat. ROYAL TELEPHONE (13) showed early zip and stuck on gamely to run second over this trip at Bordertown last start. Faces stiffer opposition here but could make her presence felt with a repeat of that effort. FASHION DOG (1) returns and gets the blinkers on first time. Keeping safe.
RACE 7 - MAXILDO (2) defied his odds last start with a bold run at Murray Bridge, finishing a close fourth over 1400m. Strips fitter and can get the job done. OCEAN BLAST (7) was well held at Oakbank last time but did win there the start prior, and this looks a suitable assignment to bounce back. BYWATERS ROAD (8) stuck on well for third over 1400m at Oakbank after looming up on the bend. Is improving and should get a lovely run from the favourable draw. Have to take seriously. FIAMETTE (12) resumes and is a noted fresh performer. Placed first-up last prep at this distance. Expect another forward showing if she's wound up for the return. ALLUSION (11) rises to the mile of a month in-between. Can make his presence felt fourth-up.
RACE 8 - OPPORTUNE CHANCE (8) is ticking along nicely. Wasn't completely disgraced last start at Oakbank when tackling much tougher opposition. The form around her is stacking up everywhere you look. Leading player back at this level. GUSTY WAY (1) continues to knock on the door, placing in all five runs this campaign. Drops back slightly in trip on the quick back-up. Sure to take another strong account of himself. SILVER LIFESTYLE (4) is another that will appreciate this drop in grade and is a track and trip winner. Is aided under the big weight with the 3kg claimer engaged but will need some luck from wide alley. KUSHAN KHANIVALE (7) struggled at Bordertown, but with Jason Holder aboard, expect a better showing from this five-year-old who is capable of more than recent runs suggest. RISING LEGEND (3) next best.
