Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FROM THE PEAK (4) last appeared on 7 March when she led for home on debut over 1200m at Newcastle only to be nailed near the line. Trialling well in preparation for this return. Suited coming back to 1100m and is sure to be tough to catch. MISS JONES (6) made it four minor placings from six career runs when she led for the judge but found one better over 1250m here last start. Genuine filly who will go forward again and gets her chance to finally break through. MAQUISA (10) enjoyed a good run in transit then finished off okay for third when resuming over this trip at the Kensington track recently. Strips fitter and with a gun run assured from the inside draw she is a definite contender. ALDEZOR (2) returns for a second campaign. Didn't feature at the Kenso at her only run to date. Respect any positive market moves. Recent trial winner WRITEGO (8) resumes for Waller. Started favourite and showed speed on debut but capitulated. Should have more to offer this time around.
RACE 2 - Trusting the race experience will shine through. SAPPHIRE ROSE (4) won from the front on debut at Wyong then suffered early interference before working home well for second over 1100m at the Kensington track last start. Big chance with the extra 100m to her advantage. Kris Lees' filly ISSY'S STAR (10) led all the way and demolished a maiden field at Coffs Harbour recently. Big step up in class today but respect the stable decision to come here. DIVO (2) led from the jump and although very green in the straight was too good at Wyong last time when facing the starter for only the second time. Should progress with those couple of races under the belt and can bring that good form to town. BESIDE THE OCEAN (16) is a half-sister to Slipper winner Farnan on debut for Chris Waller. Trialling well and looks ready to run a big race. SIGMA (9) is a colt by Snitzel from the top race mare Princess Coup on debut for Gai and Adrian. Shows ability and is sure to be wound up for this.
RACE 3 - Just the four to go around and they all have claims. SUPERHERO (4) stepped up to BM72 grade last start and ran on nicely for second over 1400m at the Kensington track. Coming back in distance today but is four weeks between runs and dons the blinkers for the first time. Looks the one to beat coming back to a BM64. SIGNOR TORTONI (3) led from the get-go for a dominant maiden win over this distance at Gosford last time out. Beaten under a length here at the same stage of last prep. Can improve further and looks a serious threat. KILONOVA (5) has not appeared since a tough win on debut over today's journey at Rosehill in late February. Two trials during June should have her forward enough to run another big race. MOONLIGHT DREAM (7) closed well but was no match for the winner in a Class 1 over this distance at Kembla last start. Should be peaking after two runs back.
RACE 4 - STALLONE (8) led for home but had nothing left at the end of the tough Randwick mile in Saturday grade last start. More at home around this turning track in midweek company. Expecting a spike in form with the blinkers going on today. CELTIC SIN (10) won her second race from three this prep when she easily accounted for a Class 1 field over 1500m at Hawkesbury last time out. Really hitting her straps this prep and is ready to transition to city racing. NARBOLD (4) was edged out in a BM64 at Bendigo two back before struggling against far better opposition at Flemington last start. In the mix back in this more suitable race. CENTENARIO (5) failed to threaten first-up at Hawkesbury but has plenty of scope for improvement. Last start Newcastle Class 1 winner STARPHISTOCATED (9) has more improvement in store at just the third run of the preparation.
RACE 5 - The scratching of Cassiel opens this up a bit. MAFIA (1) returns from a 131-day spell for new trainer Mitch Beer. Closed last prep with a tough win here at this level over 1250m. Trialling very well for the new stable and he looks ready to return in good style. KIRIBATI (7) settled worse than midfield and couldn't get near Cassiel at Hawkesbury recently when second-up from a spell. Draws a better gate today and is well in after Nock's claim so a better run is anticipated. DESI EMPEROR (8) was rewarded for consistency with a tough win over this distance at Hawkesbury last start. Harder task today but he will give 100% and cannot be overlooked. ONE DESTINY (2) is worth another chance dropping back to midweek company. VEGAS RAIDER (5) should be ready to find form at the third run back from a spell.
RACE 6 - Even contest. HANAU (3) featured heavily in the Stewards' report and probably should have won when resuming over 1200m here last start. Good second-up performer who draws a lot closer in this time. Perfectly placed to put the record straight. BRAVEHEART (7) turned in a real eye-catcher when fresh from a ten-month spell last time out, flashing home to be beaten under a length over 1100m at the Kensington track. Won at his only other second-up run. Poses a big threat over a bit more ground this time. SILENTSAR (1) showed pace but was found wanting in the closing stages of a 1200m Rosehill Midway recently. That was his first run for nineteen weeks so expect a bit more resistance in the closing stages here. OAKFIELD DUKE (4) is going well and likes Canterbury. Good each-way option. BARTOLF (5) returns from a twenty-week spell. Has won two trials since being gelded so he looks like going to new heights this prep.
RACE 7 - The lightly raced HOVLAND (12) loomed up on the turn then raced away for an easy win in a BM64 over 1800m at Hawkesbury last start. Facing his stiffest test but there is plenty of improvement in store. Maps beautifully from the draw so stick with him. KNIGHTS ARMOUR (2) last appeared seven weeks ago when he worked home well to score at the end of 2110m at Warwick Farm. Trialled well subsequently and he has won two from three at this trip so must be respected. MAJORIAN (19) ran on well but was no match for Hovland at Hawkesbury last start. Open to plenty of improvement today at just the third run of the campaign. DR EVIL (15) returned to form at Newcastle last time. Can go on with the job now over his pet distance. KAZALARK (6) has been finding the line well without threatening. Drops back to midweek company and the slightly longer trip helps. In the mix.
