Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FIRST FEELING (6) resumes off a long break and has switched from the Snowden barn in Sydney. Won a Rosehill trial but disappointed at Muswellbrook on debut. She's had a trial warmer with Toeroek in the saddle, and he sticks aboard. She's in the right yard, and this isn't hard. The betting will be key. MANDARIN (9) debuts and has trialled well at Murray Bridge. Looks ready to go, and this is a winnable race. XAIAMBI (11) also debuts, and she's placed at Strathalbyn in her most recent trial. She also deserves consideration. KATHERINEMARIE (7) resumes and trialled okay on the same day. Has a low gate and 2kg claim and should go well. DORA AURORA (5) will be better for her two outings this campaign. Her near miss at Bordertown on debut would have her in the finish, and we are likely to see more today.
RACE 2 - MISTER HOCKEY (7) was beaten 1L at Oakbank on debut and then border-hopped to Werribee, beaten 3L from the front over 1421m. That's good form, and he will present fitter and will use the inside barrier. 20% stable striker Toeroek is reunited. MAGIC MARINER (6) improved again, beaten 1.3L at Murray Bridge. Maps well and won't have to improve much to go close. MOUSSAKA (8) debuted in the same contest and battled on beaten 3.3L. Will improve off that and can get some of the better money. SANTELLA (9) debuts and has trialled well at Strathalbyn. Holder is a positive jockey booking, and he has to be kept safe. STRONG MINDED (3) resumes and showed enough on debut to consider.
RACE 3 - Tricky. CICALA (6) debuts for a sharp stable and owns a big Strathalbyn trial win. Milnes sticks from that, and this is winnable with average luck in the run. WILD WILD WEST (5) is also in good hands and trialled well on the same day for his debut. He maps well, and Toeroek stays aboard. Feared. SILVER CHAOS (10) resumes owning a trial win at Strathalbyn. She was outgraded in town last time, but showed plenty in her two runs prior. Has to be considered. I AM RALPH (3) brings a 2L defeat from Murray Bridge and will be around the mark if he jumps with them.
RACE 4 - ALI FOREMAN (3) peaks and has made nice inroads, placing his last two. Gives every indication the 1506m will suit, and he may sit handier today. He's ready to win. SOMEWHERE SOON (12) is third-up and is looking for the longer distance. She's up to this and has the first-time blinkers on, and the inside barrier. CLASSY CLARET (4) has a wide gate to contend with, but has been knocking on the door. Holder sticks aboard, and he has the first-time blinkers applied. Stepped up to 1800m at Murray Bridge and coming back to the mile will likely advantage. GEETEE FORTY (1) peaks and finished alongside the above in the same contest. The former Kiwi will also hit the line.
RACE 5 - HIDDEN WITNESS (7) impressed twice in town before the spell, and she did a good job, beaten 2L at Oakbank first-up. She draws the outside barrier, but is sure to have come on, and with average luck, will be hard to beat. DAISYDOO (5) resumed with an easy Maiden win at Balaklava and built on that with a Strathalbyn placing. She's capable of using the inside barrier and is a live chance. LOCA BELLA (6) resumes for a sharp yard and has trialled well. She missed a nose at The Bridge before the spell, and Holder sticks from that. Has the ability, and the betting will be key. PLACO (1) is a former UK galloper who creates interest resuming off a long break. He won over 1400m when last seen and was runner-up in a recent Strathalbyn trial. It's an ask, but he's worth keeping an eye on.
RACE 6 - Tricky. AMELIA VALENTINA (9) was back on track, beaten a nose at Balaklava and then found the grade a bit rich in town. Finally maps for a soft run, and is suited in a 56. Peaks, and the local won her only start this track trip. ASTRODEAN (6) was sharply better placed at Murray Bridge, and Holder stays aboard. He's still shy of his best and may have turned the corner. KING MOYA (3) was outgraded at The Parks, but his effort at Balaklava prior reads okay. Mixes the form but is good enough on his day. OPPORTUNE CHANCE (7) was terrible at Strathalbyn, but he'd been racing well prior. She's up to this anmd has to be considered.
RACE 7 - Tough. PETA'S HEART (9) resumes off a decent effort at Morphettville in stronger grade, and kicking off over 1506m won't be an issue. She went close at Balaklava over 1400m on debut and followed with a 4.5L Maiden win at the track. Draws an inside barrier and will be naturally improved. MAIL ORDER (8) switched from a top Victorian barn and needed the outing off a 53-day freshen. This is more suitable, and the extra metres suit. Has a key jockey switch to Toeroek, and a much improved effort is on the cards. SAINT MICHAEL (7) resumed in better grade at The Parks and will be better for the outing. He won a 64 there three back over this distance, and that's good form. LISELLE'S LUCK (11) didn't do a lot in the same contest, but impressed placing at Balaklava prior. Gives away starts but she has claims. Stablemate yGIORGI (10) has been racing without success in Listed and Group company. He comes back plenty in distance, but this is miles easier, and he's worth a look.
