Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - STEEL RAIN (7) comes here with a massive fitness edge over most of these from the low draw. Had to work hard from the wide gate and was a spent force over the final 300m when a tiring eighth over 1400m at Kembla Grange. Gets a better set-up today and will take catching. PIRRIP (3) slow into stride on debut and chipped away late when seventh over 1400m at Kembla Grange. Expecting a better showing today out to the mile. WALK LIKE A MAN (9) much better showing at his second run back, when taking ground off them with the 59kg to secure fifth over 1400m at Kembla Grange. Leading apprentice engaged and expected to figure prominently. ZAMAZING (11) will find this more to her liking with her on pace race pattern. Not that far off them on the line when a fading sixth over 1550m at Canterbury. Stays in the calculations.
RACE 2 - UP AND UNDER (4) brings a superior set of figures here in a much weaker contest. Nailed late with the 60.5kg when a narrow third to Ant over 2000m at Kembla Grange. That form has since been franked after Ant went under in a tight finish at Flemington on Saturday. TWILIGHT ELEGANCE (8) lightly raced staying filly with the upside to play a leading role here. Took good ground off them late from last on the turn when third over today's journey at Hawkesbury. Claim helps and she looks the main danger. ANDERSON BRIDGE (1) frustrating gelding who maps well for this. Motored late when a gritty third over 1900m at Canterbury in BM72 class. Can race closer here and give a ton of cheek. LENNOX (3) came out fast and was found wanting inside the final 250m when fifth over 1900m at Canterbury. Near his top and finds a weaker contest.
RACE 3 - CAESAR (6) exciting Capitalist colt from Fimatino on debut for the Peter Snowden yard. Half-brother to multiple Group winner Shaquero, and has impressed in both his trial wins. Expected to go close despite drawing out. CALIFORNIA COMMAND (2) another from the Snowden stable returning for his second prep. Showed potential on the provincial circuit earlier in the year and his two recent trials had merit. Leading player with the winkers on. SIR TUA (8) is improving with racing and has fitness on his side. Five weeks between runs when a game fourth over 1280m at Muswellbrook. This looks tougher but gets map favours. ALFRED (1) returns without a trial after producing some satisfactory efforts at this level. Josh Parr to ride and can sneak into the minor money.
RACE 4 - STEP QUICK (5) ten-start maiden ready to shed his maiden status. Has been a model of consistency all prep and gets some weight relief here after gripping on late when fourth over 900m at Newcastle. Due for a change of luck. ALL SAINTS (1) showed ability on debut when a narrow second at Kembla Grange. Returned with a disappointing sixth over 1000m at Hawkesbury. Finds an easier assignment and can return to form. DORALEE (3) has been kept fresh and since fitted with an 800m tick over trial. The cross-over nose band goes on and doesn't have to improve much to have genuine top three claims. EXOTIQUE (6) underrated two-year-old filly who maps to get a much better run today. Speared across from the wide draw and was left a sitting shot late when a fading last over 1000m at Hawkesbury. Ear muffs go on and expected to bounce back quickly.
RACE 5 - Tough contest with some handy debutants stepping out. MISS JUDAS (5) has race experience and fitness on her side from the good draw. Indicated she is ready to shed her maiden tag after closing off well when third over 1000m at Hawkesbury. Will hold a forward position and prove hard to get past. NAZWAH (10) well-bred two-year-old filly by Capitalist from Najoom on debut for the Peter Snowden camp. Half sister to the classy Charm Stone and Najmaty. Gets her chance from the inside gate with the three good trials. PROFILE (12) Frosted filly from a Commands mare on debut for the James Cummings stable. Fitted with the two trials and must be kept safe despite drawing out. IN LIMBO (9) improving with racing and third up for this with the winkers going on. Don't dismiss.
RACE 6 - TESSY TEE (4) races best with her runs spaced and looks to find a winnable race today. Tongue tie goes on after sitting on the solid tempo when a gritty second over 1300m at Hawkesbury. No excuses today with the map favours. SHOW COUNTY (2) closed strongly over the unsuitable trip first up, when an eye-catching fifth over 1000m at Wyong. Strips fitter and looks one of the leading prospects. HARLEX (1) has come back a more consistent gelding this campaign and carries the big weights well. Should have little trouble running the 1200m out with Rachel King keeping the ride. DUKE OF CAMDEN (3) Trapeze Artist gelding resuming. Had mixed fortunes on the provincial circuit last time in and should appreciate the 1200m. Given the two searching trials and expected to perform fresh.
RACE 7 - EFHARISTO (3) produced a solid set of figures first up when shedding her maiden status with a comprehensive victory in fast time over 1000m at Hawkesbury. Should take further improvement heading into this and can progress quickly now. Goes close. ETUDE (7) returns from a layoff for the Kris Lees yard after doing the bulk of her racing in Queensland. Back without a trial and proven at this trip with the claim. Look for her late. BURJ (4) lightly raced filly who was no match for the classy Diddle Dumpling first up when a tiring fourth over 1200m at this track. Form has since been franked with Diddle Dumpling scoring a dominant win at Rosehill on Saturday. Sharp improver. ARE EE QUE (1) building a sound winning CV and comes here in career-best form. Map is not as kind for this but racing too well to dismiss. Each-way.
RACE 8 - STRAAND BEAUTY (2) handy type who should have a few more wins to his record. Will appreciate the class drop after failing to go on with it when fifth over 1250m at Canterbury in BM72 grade. Since fitted with a sharp tick over trial win and the claim helps. Blinkers on and goes close. FLY SCOTTY FLY (5) progressive gelding drawn poorly again at his second run back. Showed a ton of grit from the outside gate when gripping on late to run second over this trip at Hawkesbury. Comes to hand quickly and looks close to another victory. THUNDERING SOUL (3) resumes after running some respectable races in Queensland. Fitted with the two trials and proven fresh. EXCEED PERFECTION (6) resumes a gelding after stretching out to the mile last prep. Fitted with two good trials and gets his chance.
