Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - STOLEN KISS (13) was huge last start, running some of the best sectionals of the entire meeting to finish third over 1050m. She's fitter for that first-up run and gives every indication she will relish the step to 1200m. Wide gate makes it tricky but she gets Lachie Neindorf. ARAMOSO (1) comes out of the same race at Morphettville. He's crying out to win a maiden and will give them something to chase here. The final 100m is the worry for him but he's fit and honest. TERRITORIAN (7) is another honest on-pacer who was good first-up. Will have to work from the barrier but can run well. KORATORA (12) was good fresh and with natural improvement, she has to come into it.
RACE 2 - VIOLET LOVEBUG (9) looks a very talented filly based on what she produced when winning on debut. With natural improvement and from a good draw, she will take some beating again. Banking on her being better than her rivals. DAMPEN (1) brings some decent form from last campaign, including a placing in the SA Magic Millions. He's trialed well enough to suggest he can run a big race fresh. BOOTLEGGER (4) ran a cheeky race against older horses on debut and is open to improvement at his second start. Stable does a brilliant job with their two-year-olds. Including ULLRICH (6) and BLUE ISLES (10) in wider plays.
RACE 3 - THE WESTERN FRONT (6) looks another plum ride for Neindorf as he chases the Jockey Premiership. The horse's best Victorian form makes him a key chance here. Drawn well and should be getting close to peak fitness third-up from a break. He's the one to beat. MARK OF THE MAN (4) has been doing his recent racing in SA and is getting closer to another win. He will roll forward with the claim and will give them something to chase. He can win too. The consistent UNDER THE CONE (1) hasn't put in a bad run of late and, even with the big weight, he must be included. An improving track could help his chances. FLYWAY (7) can run well, while OXFORD BLUE (2) must be respected at first run for the new stable.
RACE 4 - Some handy types for this grade of race. LOVELY LOOKIN' (5) was competitive in Stakes grade over the Autumn and, if you forgive a below par run last time, she's the one to beat. She's well placed with the 2kg claim, back in grade and dropping 100m. WINNING REVOLUTION (7) is a quality galloper that's been racing well without winning this campaign. Drawn inside so wait to see how the fence plays before diving in but does look a good each-way bet. THE GREAT BABY (1) was super first-up in a race which has already had its form franked. Lumps a big weight but is the highest-rated horse in this line-up. BEAUTY BOUND (10) and VALIDATED (2) can be included in wider plays.
RACE 5 - THE GOLDEN FIST (3) mixes his form but he has plenty of ability on his day. He's been freshened up for this and looks the one to beat on his best form. Tricky draw to overcome but gets the services of Rochelle Milnes who is looking to cement her Premiership win. LOMAX (10) was great first-up over a distance well short of his best. He rarely misses a place second-up and he looks the biggest threat from a low draw. PROVEN CORRECT (6) has done enough in two runs this campaign and will be peaking for this. MOTORACE (1) is sure to be improved from his first-up run, while ANNIHILATE (2) is always an each-way chance in these sort of races.
RACE 6 - Great race with several above-average three-year-olds set to tackle each other. STIRRUP CUP (1) is just that, having run a Stakes placing during the autumn. He was too good in a similar race last time and while he rises in weight, it's offset by a 3kg claim and a good draw. He can win again. TRIPOD TERROR (6) has only won a maiden but he keeps fronting up in stronger races and performing well. He's another who can run well from a good draw with a 3kg claim. SHOWMARA (4) and BIG BRUTE (5) chased home Stirrup Cup last start and that looks the best form for this. They both have each-way claims.
RACE 7 - CHANCE TAKEN (5) picked up where he left off last time and will be fitter for the first-up run. It does look like a tricky map for him but there's no doubt he's one of the top seeds. MANDINO (13) mixes his form so you have to take him on trust but he is capable on his day. Another horse to forgive last start is WINE BARRON (7), who can bounce back. GODZILLA (8) didn't do much in his only SA run but his best Queensland form gives him a chance.
RACE 8 - SIGN FROM ABOVE (4) didn't get all the favours from a wide draw last time but gave plenty of cheek. He's fitter, boasts a decent second-up record and draws better today. He can win with even luck. GIN RUMMY (10) is more effective over further but he can run a cheeky race fresh. He wasn't far away in G3 company during the autumn and is a more progressive type than some of his rivals. He might be worth a cheeky each-way bet. A lot of respect for SOLAR BLAST (6), who, without winning, hasn't done much wrong this campaign. EVEN SHARPER (9) looks ready to win again, as does THE GUAVA (1) who can peak third-up after an eye-catching run last time.
RACE 9 - Tough way to finish the card. BEAUTY RISING (1) has been freshened after a couple of below-par runs. Her best is clearly good enough to win this. She draws OK and gets a 2kg claim. She looks a great each-way bet at the price. TRANTORO (18) has relished the rain-affected tracks this Winter, if there is rain on the day and the track is well into the Soft/Heavy range, she is a major player again. NURYS (3) was a strong winner at Bordertown last start and while this is obviously harder, a repeat has her right in the finish again. ENDLESS FOREVERS (13) a big watch in her return, only seen once when winning on debut as a short priced favourite.
