Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - LYCO RECO (7) came off Stakes races and looked a run short first up over this trip. He races on pace and the top hoop sticks aboard. Will race over further but can pick this up along the way. THONATUS (3) comes out of the same race and missed a whisker. Maps for the run of the race and will go close. TASSIE POWER (9) peaks off the near miss here and gives every indication the mile will suit. Maps well and has plenty of scope for improvement. ORISKANY (13) hasn't captured her best Victorian form but is fourth up now over longer and finally draws an inside gate. The blinkers go on again. THIN RED LINE (2) is hard to catch but gets in well with the 3kg claim and may be the best of the rest.
RACE 2 - MEL'S STREET ABOVE (8) resumes and is a leader who went close two starts back on debut. She's sure to have come on and owns a trial win. Can win with average luck pushing forward. OUTBUSH (5) is knocking on the door and has won a trial since the 1L defeat here. The top hoop sticks aboard and he also positions on-pace. SOUTHERN AURORAS (10) debuted in the same race beaten 1.8L. Has won a trial since and fitter will get every chance from the inside barrier. Debutant LIGHT WORK (14) has drawn off the track but has trialled well and has to be included.
RACE 3 - LE DERRIERE (1) resumes and brings strong form to resumption. She's proven fresh and brings a solid trial. Has a low barrier and a 2kg claim and the blinkers are on again. A bold return is likely. JEHBENTI (4) resumes for the new barn beaten 1L and he's much improved. Has a handy 3kg claim and won't have to improve much to feature. MISS KEEDS (5) just missed the hat trick here and and been freshened. She races forward and also has winning claims. NAVARRE RIVER (2) resumes and showed plenty his first preparation. He's trialled and will be naturally improved. Keep onside. FEAR THE STING (3) resumes and owns two trial wins. Has a 3kg claim and also deserves consideration.
RACE 4 - HUBUBBAJAHN (8) resumed here with a narrow defeat and is further improved. Had come off a trial win and the top hoop stays aboard. Maps well and won't have to improve much to win. BAYSIDE (1) starts on the grass for the first time and was busting to win before a plainer effort as favourite last time. Has the 2kg claim and has the early speed to clear the awkward barrier. Go close if the form holds up on the turf. NEED TO THINK (10) resumed in the same race narrowly beaten. It was a big effort from a wide gate and he draws handier today. Has to be considered with Pires replacing the apprentice. OBVIOUSLY GOOD (5) is busting to win and has won a trial since the near miss here 28 days ago. Peals and has claims with average luck in the run. BUNKER BOB (9) gets in light with the 3kg claim and can show more second up.
RACE 5 - A small field but a good race. BRIGHT NIGHT (2) was spelled off a peak and did a big job first up beaten a nose after settling well back. He will sit closer today over the longer sprint and fitter can go one better. MISS LYRA (3) improved quickly winning this grade. That stacks up and with that under the belt she's a decent chance to repeat. BELLA CHINKARA (4) was narrowly beaten behind the above and is still shy of his best recorded in Stake grade. Consider. ONLYFORAMINUTE (1) was beaten 2.2L in the same contest and will be better for it. He's in the mix. JENNI THE CAT (5) next best but needs to lift to threaten.
RACE 6 - SKIN IN THE GAME (5) brings a string of heavily bet wins and spaced them here the latest. Finally draws a decent barrier and the top hoop sticks aboard. Carries less weight and he should have them well covered again. NAVAL ANTHEM (4) was quickly back on track narrowly beaten this grade. He has a wide gate to contend with but will be in the finish with average luck. CARNELIAN ROCK (6) keeps racing well. Has the inside gate and risks getting bottled up. He'll be around the mark if that's managed. Last start winner THE LONGEST YARD (10) the next in line.
RACE 7 - Very competitive. TURK WARRIOR (1) resumes seeking the hat trick and flies fresh. Uses the rail and gets in well with the 3kg claim. Has won 2/2 this course/distance and the betting will be key. AND BEYOND (2) also resumes and has won 4/9 fresh. Has a low gate and a 2kg claim and also has the numbers to be winning. TSUNAMI SAM (5) brings strong form from the synthetic form and coming back to the turf won't be an issue. Maps well and will present fitter. A chance as well. ANYWAYS ROXIE (9) is also going well enough but has an outside gate to contend with today. GALENUS (4) rates well and gets has a handy 3kg claim. Has the outside gate and that makes it tougher.
RACE 8 - SILVER DAGGER (9) resumed and was narrowly beaten in Stakes grade two back over a middle distance. He's proven fresh and placed his only start at this trip. She's trialled sharply over 800m and is drawn for a soft run in transit. ALPINE THUNDER (3) is a leader who is knocking on the door. Come back a grade and draws inside. Peaks and will take pegging back. GOLDEN MEADOW (5) resumes with the top hoop booked and will be in the finish if presented forward. His recent trial suggests she will be. STREET DIVA (10) resumes and has trialled well. She's handy but the outside gate cruels. ARAYA SUNSHINE (4) needs to find more to be winning but should be around the mark.
RACE 9 - WINEGLASS BAY (1) switched from the Waller yard and won this grade first up. He has plenty up his sleeve and will enjoy the step up to the mile. Maps well and is thrown in with the 3kg claim. He can go on with it. SAILOR (5) is busting to win and up again to the mile suits. Sits right down in the weights and that brings him right into it. GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2) resumes over a mile but that shouldn't be an issue. He's capable and jumping from an inside gate will control the race. The 2kg claim is handy and he will give a big sight. JUST A NEEDS (3) was plainer last time heavily bet again but she was back to a sprint and can get back on track over this distance. In the mix. GEE GEE MISS QUITA (4) is going well but will likely find a few better.
