Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - THE LAST FLASH (12) continues to knock on the door with back-to-back placings and looks ready to strike. Strips rock-hard fit on the quick turnaround and produced a handful of efforts that are good enough to get the job done this time. Won't get many better chances. SHIMAZY (11) has shown promise in her two starts and is trending the right way. With further natural improvement, she can play a major role. ALL TOO TRUE (4) took a good step forward last start and is building toward a win. Proven over the trip and should be right in the mix again. ZURI PLATOON (3) has been fair without threatening but is capable of sneaking into the minor money off a 29-day freshen.
RACE 2 - THE KILL CLUB (1) was game in defeat when resuming over the short trip here and will take plenty of benefit from the run. Draws to get the gun run and looks the one to beat. DISCO TALK (2) stuck on well first-up and is open to further improvement second-up. Should be in the finish again. TEE EM I (12) was not far away last start and gets in light. Capable of running into the minors. Keep safe. AMBUSHED (9) was much better last start when racing prominently. Drops back in trip but is in the mix.
RACE 3 - ARTISSI (3) continues to leave herself with too much to do but is savaging the line. The form around her stacks up strongly and she should relish this drop in grade. Expect her to take some stopping. BANGHOLME (2) was much better here last start when finishing just over a length from the winner in third. He raced on-speed and stuck on well. If he can replicate that performance, he's right in the mix. MIDIVANI (8) battled away into a midfield finish last start at Echuca. Has claims on best figures in an even contest. VELENTINO (4) next best.
RACE 4 - NIGHT CRYER (12) produced a pleasing return off a 381-day spell at Warrnambool. That should bring her on nicely. The rise in trip should suit and she looks capable of going a couple better. LITTLE OUTLAW (2) went down narrowly last start at Strathalbyn over this journey. Form reads well enough to be a leading chance. FLYING SHELBY (11) has been well supported in betting without delivering lately, but is capable of better and is worth another look. MENACE TO SOBRIETY (4) took a step in the right direction last start and is a genuine contender if he can build off that performance.
RACE 5 - EMERALD REWARD (2) led throughout to record a gutsy win here last start. Drops back in trip but does boast a strong record. Only needs to hold his form to make it two on the trot. QUIK RHAPID (3) is building fitness. Kept fresh for this and goes well over this course and distance. Can get the job done third-up. SILVER CLIFF (8) progressed nicely last start when second over at Ararat. With further fitness and a nice setup here, he looks primed to go one better. NANKEEN (6) returned to winning form at this venue last time out when leading pillar-to-post. Tougher this time but deserves respect.
RACE 6 - TWO KAY KLICK (1) has been a consistent performer this campaign. He continued his solid form when closing off strongly into second at Naracoorte last time out. With another honest effort expected, he rates highly in this field. PINCHBECK (3) is another who has been knocking on the door, missing out narrowly last start over this course and distance. Should be featuring. BASE OF FIRE (2) showed noticeable improvement last time when fifth at Bordertown. Nearing peak now and is well suited in this company. PENSLEY (12) struggled when stepping up to the mile last start at Warracknabeal. Been freshened with 36 days as she drops back in trip. Can improve sharply.
RACE 7 - FERAGO (1) will find this a fair bit easier after closing off nicely for fourth in the LR Warrnambool Cup. Carries the top weight but deserves to off that performance. Should prove hard to hold out. ANY LUCK (5) bounced back sharply last start when in the placings at Casterton. Strips rock-hard fit and goes his best on the home track. Bold showing anticipated. GOLIOTUS (4) has been much better in his last two and should be hitting his straps now. Shoulders a strong record over this course and distance. Expecting him to play a major role. LONGER ROUTE (3) dug deep to get the verdict last start at Murray Bridge. Kept fresh and is among the key chances.
RACE 8 - SEE DE NIGHT (11) bounced back to form with a determined second over this track and trip last time out. She travelled strongly into the race and boxed on well to just miss. Gets a nice pull at the weights over the winner. A win is around the corner. RIPPA BUDDY (4) had their measure here last start when showing plenty of fight to get the job done. Carries more weight this time but deserves strong consideration. PIWHANE (10) made good ground to finish second at Oakbank over 1400m and has been racing consistently. Steps up in trip now and is capable of running over the top of them late. SUPREME THUNDER (6) has been mixing his form but boasts peaks that stack right up. Have to include.
