Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - VANLEE (8) showed plenty of pace and didn't lie down when the pressure went on, only to miss out narrowly when resuming over 1100m at Hawkesbury last start. This is not a deep maiden so with a little natural improvement she can go one better. DYAMI (2) impressed first-up at this track then was too bad to be true at Canterbury last time. Worth another chance with visors going on for the first time. MISS JONES (5) rolled along in front but succumbed at the end of 1250m at Canterbury last start, filling a minor placing for the fourth time. Major player in the small field. RACH (6) did little when resuming at Canterbury a fortnight ago. Can improve but a win would surprise. The other runner EDORADO (3) is on debut and probably needs this hit-out.
RACE 2 - ERNAUX (3) has been competitive at all three runs to date, the latest when beaten 0.6 lengths over 1250m at Canterbury a fortnight ago. Cherry ripe at the third run back and shouldn't be a maiden for long. PYROLYSIS (10) wound up late to grab third in an encouraging debut over 1100m at Gosford recently. Hard to beat out to this trip with that race experience now on board. Waterhouse/Bott first starter SIEBERT (13) has been in the placings at both trials to date and looks all set for a bright opening to her career. Zousain filly MAKE MINE MOET (17) found the Widden Stakes too rich on debut back in February. Trialled well recently and should be far more competitive in this line-up. MILK FOAM (7) is on debut for Gary Portelli. Five of her siblings have won races. Worth monitoring for market support.
RACE 3 - KILLER KERR (11) returned to the winner's list in emphatic style last start, coming from near the tail to blow away a BM58 field over 1300m at Goulburn. Twice a winner at today's trip from six attempts. Gets some nice weight relief today so although up in grade she can score again. Genuine filly HONEY PERFUME (8) made it seven top-three finishes from eight starts when she closed well to get up for third over 1100m at Gosford last time out. Nicely placed out to this trip. Sure to be thereabouts again. VANESSI (2) made a pleasing return over 1000m at the Kensington track recently. Will make her own luck up on the speed and should be tough to hold out over an extra furlong. NOT THAT EASY (6) disappointed at the Kensington track last Wednesday. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and getting to 1200m is a positive. Can bounce back on the quick turnaround. VERMICELLA (3) resumes. The winner of two from two when fresh so despite the big weight she is a player.
RACE 4 - DEFIANT HEART (2) shouldered 60kgs for a determined win in a BM82 over this distance at Scone last start. Veteran sprinter with imposing credentials at five furlongs. Well placed to add to the fine record. DIS IS HEAVEN (6) has been racing very well, including a close third in a similar race here three back, before failing at Port Macquarie last time out. In the money at thirteen of eighteen runs over today's journey so hard to rule out after one poor performance. ZARAGOZA (4) has strung together some nice performances over this trip at Kembla of late. Tougher assignment today but hard to put a line through. ELEGANT EMPRESS (7) returned to form at Newcastle last start and is capable of a top-four finish here. ROMEO'S CHOICE (1) is a genuine sprinter resuming. In the money at three of his four runs when fresh so a bright return looks almost certain.
RACE 5 - AMERICAN STARLET (10) was snagged back to last from a wide alley then motored home to just miss the placings first-up in a 1200m Rosehill Highway. Nicely in after Nock's claim and out to this trip second-up looks the one to beat. BAT OUT OF HELL (1) got a long way back from a poor alley and was never in contention last time out over today's journey at Randwick. Has a fine record at this stage of the prep so back in midweek company can certainly improve. BELIEVE IN ANGELS (7) was plain last Wednesday at the Kenso but a seven-day back-up by Joe Pride is a positive sign. Worth another chance. Lightly raced four-year-old TRAVOLTA (3) is back from a 111-day spell. Both his wins have come when fresh from a break. Trialled well recently and should give this a shake. HOT BANDIT (4) is racing well this time in work and deserves his chance in town.
RACE 6 - Ciaron Maher brought NANA'S WISH (2) to Sydney last start and she recorded a dogged win over 1550m at Canterbury after travelling up on the pace. Handy mare who has performed well against better company in Victoria so another big run is on the cards. KENMARE BAY (10) last raced five weeks ago when successful over 1900m at Canterbury. Genuine gelding with a sound record over today's journey. In the mix again while fresh. HOPPER (7) is racing well and Saturday company, most recently working home in good style to be beaten under two lengths over this distance at Randwick. Suited by the small field and with blinkers going on for the first time he looks sure to be thereabouts. PINK SHALALA (9) has been in the money at his last three runs. Very fit gelding who is a major contender on a seven-day back-up. LOOSE LOVE (13) was rewarded for consistency with a big win at Gosford last time. A must for exotics punters.
RACE 7 - DYNAMIC ONE (18) was racing well before dropping out at the end of 1900m at Canterbury last start. Freshened up to come back to the mile and at decent odds looks a good gamble. AROHA STONE (10) proved far too good for the mares over this distance at Gosford last time out. Progressive filly who gets in well after the allowance and should be competitive again. DALIO (17) pleased when resuming at Newcastle, battling on well for second after travelling on the pace. Will enjoy the extra furlong and is a better second-up galloper so keep him in mind. SOUND BANKER (12) bolted in first-up at Newcastle. Has only raced three times so Waller is nowhere near the bottom of this filly. COVERT THINKING (7) comes here of consecutive wins over the mile at Gosford. Tougher assignment today but with the confidence high he cannot be ruled out.
