Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - WOLF JUNIOR (9) resumes and two of his three race starts have been at Stakes level. Owns a trial win here and from a low gate is the one to beat. REDAIR (10) was blitzed by Mazzini here last time, but covered the others. Was tracking well prior and should be fighting out the finish. LA ZAMPA (2) will be better for the two starts since the switch from Victoria. Showed plenty early doors and improvement is likely. ALPINE DAME (5) resumes and led and missed a whisker here two back on debut. Has a wide gate, but she's speedy and will be naturally improved. ALPINE WOODS (6) debits and has been well trialled. Placed the most recent and has to be kept safe.
RACE 2 - SKELMORLIE (12) has been busting to win and there was only a whisker in it here last time. Has a low gate and the tongue tie first time and is seasoned for the step-up to the mile. GEEGEE AUNTY JESS (8) has just missed her last two over this trip and 1800m the latest. She will be on the pace again and will take stopping. ALPINE TROUT (1) led them up and finished just behind the above over the 1800m, showing more like his best. Draws to get every chance. ELLA MAY (7) led and just missed over a sprint. Has tackled this journey once, leading beaten 1.6L at Hobart and would have claims on that. SIENA WOLF (11) steps up to the mile for the first time and was going okay before the latest. In the mix.
RACE 3 - THE LONGEST YARD (1) won here and then repeated the dose at Hobart. Carries more weight stepping up to a mile, but on a quick back-up he can win again. LI'L HAIL MARY (4) placed at Hobart over this distance and is busting to win. Has a wide gate, but the leading hoop sticks and that's a plus. KIREINA MARUBRAH (3) is going well enough and three back led beaten a whisker this track/trip. Maps well and has to be considered. RUBICK'S AFFAIR (9) needs a good ride from the 2kg claimer but her effort two back was good. Came back to a sprint last time and forgive. ROMANESCO FRESCO (13) led and posted a strong number at Hobart two back and can't be ruled out.
RACE 4 - HOAX (7) is third up briefly freshened and has switched from a sharp Victorian yard. Placed first up on the Ballarat synthetic and has the numbers to go close. ALPINE BLAST (3) made further improvement, narrowly beaten this track/trip. Has the rail again and on that form is a threat. NIGHT ACTION (4) just missed a place here first up in a touch stronger and has more to give. The 2kg claim is handy but he will need luck from an outside gate. ADACHI (6) also draws awkwardly, but having his third start for the new stable is ready to show his best. His run here first up was encouraging. MYWORDIS (2) resumes and the veteran bears watching.
RACE 5 - FIGHTING FOR GOLD (2) resumes and flies fresh. Enjoys the track and trip and has placed in a recent trial here. Hard to beat with average luck from the awkward gate. CAPITAL CHEVAL (3) races forward and has just been nudged out here at his last three. Has 3.5kg weight relief today and that brings him right into it. BAYBOUGG (4) peaks and brings strong from Hobart. She has three starts here for a single placing but is worth another chance. LION'S TOOTH (8) was close up here twice before the plain run at Hobart. Has the leading jockey aboard today and needs to be kept onside. GARCON D'ESPOIR (1) may need it longer now, but the first-up win was good.
RACE 6 - SIMPLY DEEP (1) has the speed to clear the awkward gate. He's been nudged out twice here since the back-to-back wins at the track. Keeps improving and back a bit in trip he can bounce back. MAGIC MOGUL (2) resumed narrowly beaten behind Zoete's Rock as a short-priced favourite. Brought two trial wins to that and with the extra fitness will go close. ZOETE'S ROCK (5) deserved the win and also has decent claims. Look for him late again. GET 'EM WARRIOR (3) resumed in the same contest and wasn't far away. Maps well and is in the mix. BERSERKER (6) went close the latest in stronger and can't be ruled out.
RACE 7 - THOROS OF MYR (3) just missed twice before leading and winning this grade/trip comfortably. He keeps improving and can go on with the job. FURNEAUX (2) brings decent Hobart form and the leading jockey stays aboard. Maps for a soft run and can fight out the finish. WARICA (6) is also racing well and placed second behind the top selection last time. Has a low barrier today and can get closer. CORNELIAN BAY (8) got too far back in the same race but ran a strong number prior when nudged out by the above. He has to be included as well. GEEGEE JET BY (1) will be around the mark again if things go his way.
RACE 8 - CHICANE (1) brings a win and close-up placing over this trip in stronger grade. The 2kg claims helps offset some of the weight rise in lesser company and he maps for a soft run. A bounce is likely. GODDESS OF ROCK (9) comes back in trip off a nose defeat at Hobart. She's won 2/3 here and at this distance. She should be right in it. HAPPY CLAN (2) placed at Hobart in the same contest. Has his first start on the synthetic and can't be ruled out. SUGOI LEGEND (4) surprised when winning that race. Carries more weight but keeps a top hoop. MANHATTAN NIGHTS (3) seeks the hat-trick in stronger and will get every chance to go on.
