Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - EXPIDO (1) resumes in a much weaker race. Heavily supported on debut when closing off strongly to run fourth over 1100m at Wyong last December. Returns with the one 800m trial and should prove too strong for these. DIVA ROUGE (4) Red Henno filly from Go Diva Go on debut for the Jake Hull stable. Two recent trials have been sound and looks forward enough for this. Each way. TRUMPER (5) well bred colt by Russian Revolution from stakes-winning mare Thump on debut for the Kris Lees yard. Has shown enough in two trials to play a leading role today. HARD RATTLE (7) sharp improver when sitting on the speed for a gritty second over 1000m at Gosford. Has a fitness edge over most of these and must be kept safe.
RACE 2 - Fairly weak maiden. SQUATTERNUT BOSH (9) unwanted in betting on debut when a tenacious sixth over 1000m at Wagga. Gets a better run today with the claim and will appreciate the extra ground. BIRDY GIRL (7) improving with racing and comes here in peak condition. Motored late from back in the pack when a solid third over 1108m at Port Macquarie. Has the claim again and looks one of the leading chances. MONTGOLFIER (2) beaten for speed early and never looked a winning chance when sixth over 1108m at Port Macquarie. Assess on his good second over this track and trip two back. Hard to hold out. AIRWALKER (6) mare resuming after stretching out in trip. Given the two testing trials for this and can surprise at the each way price.
RACE 3 - EPIC STATEMENT (6) returned good closing splits on resumption when a solid sixth over 1200m at Tamworth. Looks to have returned in good order and will keep improving as she gets out in trip. Goes close at start sixteen. CLEVER ILLUSION (4) deep into his prep and maps to get the gun run. Failed to back-up in the heavy going when a disappointing fifth over 1405m at Coffs Harbour. Earlier runs had merit and can quickly return to form. NAVY PIER (1) resumes over a more suitable trip after debuting with a plugging fourth over 1150m at Beaumont (Newcastle). Had the one trial over 800m in readiness for this and worth thought. MAGGIE ROSE (8) second run for the new stable when a disappointing ninth over 1205m at Coffs Harbour. Distance suits and can take a hand in the finish.
RACE 4 - CHARLEROI (4) progressive Dundeel gelding who has made excellent progress in his first prep. Drifted further back than expected before surging late with a game second over 1500m at Hawkesbury. Looks too good for these out to the mile. BELLINI SPRITZ (9) making good progress at her two runs back. Given every chance in the run when powering over the final 50m to fail narrowly when second over 1450m at Muswellbrook. Trip suits and winning rider back aboard. JUSTICE PLEASE (12) got off the mark at start twelve with a comfortable on pace victory over 1600m at Gosford. Has a tougher run today and will need luck from the draw. ANNOINT (1) holding his form on the provincial circuit and comes here in peak condition. Back in class and stays in the mix.
RACE 5 - FEJER DAWN (12) up sharply in trip at her second run back when a dominant maiden winner over the 1600m at Tamworth. Winning rider sticks, and looks capable of going on with the job. JUSTIFIABLY (4) undefeated over this course and distance and comes here in peak form. Drifted back from the wide draw and never looked a winning chance when sixth over 2100m at Tamworth. Tongue-tie and winkers go on for this. Ready to bounce back. JONNY BE SWIFT (3) frustrating gelding who stays in the contest after gripping on late with the 61.5kg when third over 1700m at Scone. Proven at the trip and sure to be thereabouts. MERAPI (11) has won at this track and trip and races best with her runs spaced. Maps well and sure to be thereabouts.
RACE 6 - BONDI PROPHET (15) indicated a win was imminent when a narrow on pace fourth over 1280m at Muswellbrook. Gets a more economical run with Ben Looker keeping the ride. Goes close. SPIRITS BURN DEEP (3) undefeated at this track and this looks much easier after bumping into the smart Killer Kerr when second over 1300m at Goulburn. Gets weight relief again and will need an even better ride today. Each way. PUNCH ONE OUT (5) holding form well and should get the right tempo. Powered late from near last on the turn when a solid fourth over 1208m at Port Macquarie. Ready for the 1400m and not to be underestimated. FULL COMMITMENT (10) underrated mare who strips fitter third up. Has the speed to take up a position from the wide gate after running a respectable sixth over 1450m at Muswellbrook. Stays in the calculations.
RACE 7 - ALL TOO ROSEY (9) has an okay record at this track and trip and will appreciate the class drop with the claim. Jumped in distance when a fading eighth over 1512m at Port Macquarie. Assess on his narrow second here two back. Goes close. SMART JAZZ (10) far from disgraced in town when trapped wide to finish eighth over 1200m at Randwick in Highway class. Goes close if he can get cover from the awkward gate. LUCK APLENTY (17) fitter now after surprising at the big odds last start when a gritty second over 1208m at Port Macquarie. Gets a more economical run and not to be underestimated. SAVOCA (5) resumes with a handy fresh record after running some respectable races last prep. Back without a trial and leading rider booked.
RACE 8 - HELLUVA TEEN (4) nice filly who was given her chance in town when a disappointing eighth over 1000m at Randwick Kensington in BM64 class. Was second up on that occasion and this is much easier from the good barrier. Can bounce back. SINGING STAR (14) comes out of a handy Wyong stable and strips fitter from the low draw. Held her ground when resuming to finish fourth over 1000m at Muswellbrook. Roper sticks and has the figures to feature strongly. TELEGRAPH (10) saves his best for his home track and this trip. Snagged back from the wide gate when a plugging sixth over 1005m at Coffs Harbour. Stays in the mix despite drawing out again. OCTAVIAN TREASURE (8) inconsistent mare who deserves another chance on the firmer surface. Gets map favours and the trip suits.
