Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HALLIWELL (8) returns and makes her stable debut for Tzaferis, who also pilots. Showed positive signs in her debut prep and her dominant trial win in readiness suggests she's come back in great order. Ready. LAYIN' UP (9) shares a similar profile, returning for a new stable. Strips fitter for a Bordertown hitout, which Milnes sticks from with the claim. Can make a bright return. YOOMEE WONDER (13) only warmed to his task late on debut when making good inroads at Bendigo. Will likely settle back again and be saved for the final shot at them. ARAMOSO (1) best of the rest.
RACE 2 - OUT OF SQUARE (2) was far too strong late last start at headquarters. Fitness is spot on now and the step up to 1200m is ideal. Strong chance to go back-to-back. SAV ON ICE (8) made good ground from the rear when resuming behind Out Of Square. Draws to settle closer and gets in light at the weights. Capable of turning the tables. TRIPOD TERROR (7) also found the line well in that same race and has been holding his form. Worth including again. DREAMS FULFILLED (5) drops in weight and should be peaking third-up. Holder from the low draw creates further appeal.
RACE 3 - GREAT MAXIMUS (9) progressed nicely second-up when chasing hard to just miss at headquarters. His effort was backed right up by the clock and he gets a stack of weight off. Peaking now and will take some stitching. LET'S GET DOWN (6) resumes off a short freshen and was going very well prior, consistently supported in the market. Loves this trip and is right in the mix. KARACASU (1) brings strong consistency and gets some welcome class relief. Suited over this track and distance, he deserves serious respect. BALLON D'OR (8) has been charging home in each of her three runs this prep. Perfectly placed back at a track and trip where she is unbeaten. Live hope.
RACE 4 - TAHNEE TREASURE (6) has been thereabouts in her two runs back off a short spell, with the form around her stacking right up. Has been freshened, keeping the legs ticking over with a nice trial win. Doesn't need to improve much to get the job done. SNOOPY NOW (8) drops back sharply in grade, but so too in distance. Might find this a bit sharp but will be strong late if close enough. CULLEN SKINK (9) caught the eye first-up when flashing home at any old odds. Rises quickly to the mile but should appreciate it. Gets his chance to break a long run of outs. KATIM'S CLUB (11) strips rock-hard fit and is sure to roll forward from the wide alley. First go at the mile but will take catching if left alone up front.
RACE 5 - SENTIMENTAL FLAME (5) doesn't win out of turn but has been holding her own in Stakes company. Gets in low at the weights despite the sharp drop in grade and is sure to be taking the strongest strides late. If the tempo is solid, good luck stopping her. DIXIE WHISTLER (2) is a tough mare. Backs up quickly after being a touch flat last start, but the winner looks smart. Shoulders a strong record here and is definitely one to consider. THERE GOES MY HERO (7) has been a big improver since stepping out in trip. Expect him to roll across from the wide alley and be prominent. LAKE'S FOLLY (4) is a tough one to catch but boasts peaks to match. Have to keep safe. CARASHAN CHLOE (6) is a mare in form and will be doing her best work late again. Throw in exotics.
RACE 6 - SUNZOU (5) got things on track last start after being sent forward, fighting gamely to only miss by a head. Will take great benefit from that and is drawn favourably again. Bold showing anticipated. BEEN OUR ANGEL (2) was too bad to be true last start. Backs up quickly and has plenty of early toe to offset the wide alley. Gets in well with the claim and should be very competitive. MAZOVIA (13) will settle in behind from her middle draw and try and nab them late. HYPERNOVA (11) is drawn sticky for his return but could give them a scare late if it's poured on early. Don't underestimate.
RACE 7 - EROICA (10) was denied by the barest of margins last start at headquarters. Continues to savage the line and is racing in career-best order. Drops back to a winning trip and can get the job done. BEAUTY BOUND (4) returned with a bang at Oakbank, then chased in vain behind the quinella last start. All four wins have come over this trip but the wide draw does present a slight query. Nearing peak, so should be very competitive. OVERSTRIKE (8) looks like one of the only pace runners engaged. Expect him to charge across from the wide alley and give plenty of cheek. THE GUAVA (2) can also hold a spot up on speed fresh and could keep sticking on. HAJRA (11) will get a long way back from the draw but is sure to be flashing late.
RACE 8 - UNDER THE CONE (1) has left himself with too much to do in his last two but has been finishing strong. Strips rock-hard fit now and is sure to take plenty of stopping if close enough when turning. WINE BARRON (7) broke through in dominant fashion last start. Doesn't set up as well for him this time out there and up in weight, but he should be full of confidence. Nunes will need some luck but is capable of producing some magic. DOLCEMENTE (9) is going better than her form reads. Nearing peak now and gets a key booking in Holder. Don't take lightly. Similar story for HATEECH (12). Four-time winner at this track. Keep safe.
RACE 9 - SACHEM (9) has been an eye-catcher in his two runs back, particularly last start when missing by a head. Peaking now and will relish the added trip. Bold showing anticipated. ZARKANA (16) was a big improver second-up when flashing home from last in a blanket finish. Further improvement in store third-up and is another that will eat up the added trip. HEADPHONES (13) was denied by the barest of margins fresh but went one better last time when arriving right on the post. Same track and trip and draws well again. Deserves more respect. ANNIHILATE (6) made a statement last start when obliterating his rivals at headquarters. Can go again off that.
