Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky race to kick things off with several first starters and horses first-up in their campaigns. Happy to bank on LOTTIE JANE (11) returning a more rounded racehorse this campaign. Her form last time was OK in much stronger 3YO metropolitan races. There has been merit in both of her trials this time in and she is tactically versatile. Keen to play. BENDING AWAY (9) is another filly that is first-up and her recent trial suggests she can run a big race fresh. SUPREME VALKYRIE (7) has placed in three of five and if she turns up in the form that she ended last campaign in, she won't be far away. Respect for first starters MIGHTY APHRODITE (3) and SWEET MALIBU (12) who can be included in wider plays.
RACE 2 - MASTER CHARLIE (1) looks to have found the right race to get off the mark in SA straight away. While his Victorian form looks a bit patchy, his best should measure right up in this. He joins a stable that is having a brilliant run this season and gets the services of Todd Pannell from a low draw. Plenty to like about his chances. MANDARIN (12) looks a danger. There's been merit in all three of her runs on wet track and the step to 1300m looks suitable. ME NAME'S HARRY (2) has been racing well here of late, while STARCHO LIBRE (6) is a chance if he can run up to his solid debut performance. Include HOT STRUT (9) in wider plays.
RACE 3 - A race with a bit of a tail. TERRITORIAN (6) looks one of the clear standouts. He's placed in three of his seven starts and was very good first-up when narrowly beaten at this track. He can roll forward from the barrier and with natural improvement he will be hard to catch. TERMINAL SHOCK (14) is an untapped filly that caught the eye late first-up. She too can improve with the run under her belt and can settle close from a low draw. KIKKULI (5) has trialed well since a solid first-up run. She should appreciate the rise to 1300m. AMANDA'S JOY (7) and CANYON WIND (4) both need to improve but are worth considering for trifectas and first fours.
RACE 4 - Another race with a long tail. TYITA (6) drops sharply in grade and rises 200m in distance, both of which look suitable. His best form over 2000m gives him a great each-way chance. EMPIRESTATEOFMIND (8) is a lightly raced three-year-old that looked good breaking his maiden two starts back. He didn't measure up in a stronger race in Melbourne last start but he still looks a work in progress. With further improvement and natural upside, he looks a big threat. LANDMARK ALLEY (9) is another recent winner that doesn't need to be a star to trouble these. UNISPHERE (7) and NAMADJI (4) appeal as options for wider plays.
RACE 5 - One of the better races on the card. Siding with SACRED CHORD (5) who rarely runs a poor race and will be improved for the first-up run on a very wet track at Gawler. Think he's an each-way bet. The recent form of ATALA (9) is only fair but if she can get back to anything like her three-year-old ratings, she will give this a shake. Last-start maiden winners FROM THE BLOCK (1) and SILVER CHAOS (6) must be respected. The form of the latter has been franked with the runner-up winning in metropolitan grade since. ALPINE JOY (13) wasn't far away on the dirt last start. This is harder but she can run well again.
RACE 6 - NOSTRYIA (1) looks well placed back in grade and with a 4kg claim. He will hold a spot from a low draw and, if he reproduces what punters saw at Morphettville two starts back, he'll take some beating. SMASHING ACTION (7) is a last-start winner at the track and distance. There was enough in hand to suggest she can do it again. ITALIAN INFORMANT (9) let the punters down last start but his win at this track the start before was very impressive. He can win too. HERE COMES HOGAN (2) ran a blinder at a big price last start and is worth including, as is RUSSIAN BOBSHARK (3) who lines up for a new stable.
RACE 7 - MILLIVOY (3) was plain last start but his prior form in stronger races would measure up in this. The wide draw makes it tricky but he's tactically versatile. WARM BREEZE (1) is flying and continues to improve as he steps up through the grades. This is no harder and, while he rises in weight, the claim will ensure he's competitive. He can win again. GILMORE (8) drops back to 1050m which looks ideal as his better form earlier in the preparation was over the short courses. If LOTZA BUBBLES (7) and IMPORTANT PRODUCT (5) find some of their best form, they can prove competitive here and are worth some thought for exotics.
RACE 8 - MYSTICAL WISDOM (8) is a progressive three-year-old that looks well-placed back in grade after racing competitively in stronger metropolitan races. He's drawn perfectly and Toeroek goes back on. He's the one to beat. MAXILDO (6) went too quickly in front last time and got tired late. He can roll forward again and run better if he can go at a more controlled gallop. THINKINGNINTYNINE (4) showed improvement between his first two runs for the campaign. Switches back from dirt to turf here. HARD LEAF (7) and AM I THE DRAMA (15) both have ratings that can match it with rivals here, albeit both can mix their form.
RACE 9 - Tough way to finish the card. IMPENDING DIAMOND (8) is flying this campaign and relishing her racing on wet tracks. The heavier the better for her and she can win again. DOBBINAIR (1) will win this if he finds his best form but we haven't seen it this campaign. He drops back in grade here to chase a confidence-boosting win. He gets in well after the 3kg claim. NEVER SURRENDER (9) never runs a bad race but he lacks a killer punch at the end of his races. He's a safe place bet but he needs to find a length or two to win. Consider SUGGESTIVE MISS (15) and CUBAN WATERS (6), who both did enough first-up, for wider plays.
