Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BEECHUNO (9) got going late to finish fifth when resuming over this distance at Tamworth last start. Kept fresh and meets a modest line-up today so she looks a great chance to open the account. FANTASTIC BEAST (3) has not raced since a moderate sixth on debut over 1200m at Tamworth in January. Expect more this time in work. HEDGED YOUR BETS (4) is back from a 31-week absence. Went okay on debut last prep then had no luck at his other run. Worth considering. CLEAR THINKING (10) on debut for Messara/Gavranich is a key runner. Trialling well and won't need to be special to compete with these. WHISTLING STRAITS (8) is another first starter from the Cavanough yard whose recent Tamworth trial win suggests he is above average.
RACE 2 - DYECAST MISSILE (8) turned things around last start when he led all the way for a convincing win over 1450m at Muswellbrook. Kept fresh to come back in trip. Can get the job done again. INJADA (12) caught the eye last start over 1200m at Tamworth, storming home late to be beaten just 1.2 lengths. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and this trip looks ideal. REGATTA (3) wasn't beaten far when returning from a break over 1250m at Gunnedah recently. Placed second-up last prep so expect him to hold that form. THE FAVORITE SON (10) finally broke his maiden at Muswellbrook four weeks ago. Back in trip and up in class but worth an each-way ticket.
RACE 3 - CHOICE WITNESS (6) has been freshened up since charging home to score over 1450m at Muswellbrook four weeks ago. Building a nice record and can add to the tally here with a bit of luck from the wide alley. GREAT POINT (11) struggled on a heavy track at Newcastle ten days ago. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and can improve sharply. SOCIAL OUTCAST (5) last appeared six weeks ago when runner-up over the mile at Quirindi. In fine form and has won at this trip so don't rule him out. WHO EVER THOUGHT (8) has not raced since a modest effort at Tamworth over 1200m on 10 May. Capable on his day and worth another chance. SNOW STAR (14) gets back to a more suitable trip today and can turn some recent poor form around.
RACE 4 - YUKAN ROSE (5) returned from a 128-day spell with a comfortable maiden win over this distance at Newcastle last start. Back in much better shape this prep and can go on with it now. SUNDAY BELL (12) settled handy and wouldn't lie down when a close fourth over 1000m at Tamworth last time out. That was his first run in five months so from a nice draw he can improve off that effort. SOOBOOCO (1) has been struggling but drops in grade today and has been freshened up so a turnaround looks on the cards. VANDELIGHT (9) mixes her form but is good enough to test these if on-song.
RACE 5 - MACHAON (2) finished a distant third to an impressive Godolphin debutant when he lined up for the first time last start at Kembla over 1200m. Won't meet a runner of that quality this time so he looks a great chance to open the account. CLASSIC POETRY (12) returned from an 11-month spell with an impressive second over 1200m at Gosford last time out. Won't find this as tough so with a bit of luck from the awkward gate she is a genuine threat. SUNSET PANORAMA (16) led but disappointed over 1400m at Gunnedah recently. Form before that was sound so give her another chance. The consistent ALERTADO (4) is never far away and from a good draw has each-way prospects.
RACE 6 - MISS CARTEL (4) returned from an eight-month break with a solid second over this distance at Hawkesbury last start. On-pacer who draws perfectly and drops in class. Should be opening her account. HOMELAND (6) was in the market on debut last time out over 1000m at Scone but couldn't quicken as required and finished midfield. Expect a bit more today with the step up in distance. ROCKBARTON ANGEL (10) last appeared when fourth at massive odds on debut over 900m at Newcastle ten weeks ago. Might surprise again. WEE KAHUNA (16) blew the start at Coffs Harbour last time so forget the run. Each-way chance on his best form.
RACE 7 - MAGIC PHAROAH (14) has raced twice this prep and failed to feature on either occasion in Highways. Won't find this as tough and she looks nicely in with 55kgs. Ready to peak. IRISH BLISS (7) made his move a fair way from home and went on to register a comfortable maiden win over 1600m at Kembla recently. Lightly raced gelding who will be hard to hold out again over the extra 100m. ROTHROCK (5) was back in form at Newcastle last start. Has two wins and two placings from four runs at today's trip. Sure to be competitive. Last start Tamworth winner ARE YOU JOKING (6) is also in the mix from a nice draw.
RACE 8 - SOUTH OF INDIA (9) made it three wins from just four starts when he led all the way to score first-up over this distance at Hawkesbury 12 days ago. Promising three-year-old taking on a far deeper field today but he is up to the task. VILLA TREVILLE (7) is another building an impressive record. Has led all the way to win at both runs this prep, the latest over 900m at Newcastle to bring up a fifth win from seven. The wide gate means she'll do some work but another win is on the cards. I'M NOT SLEW (13) is back from a five-month spell. Goes well when fresh and this is her pet distance. Bolted in during a recent Tamworth trial so she looks ready to fire. BOSS (14) finished 1.4 lengths behind South Of India when resuming at Hawkesbury last start. Wide gate a dampener but he should be competitive. DEFIANT HEART (2) strips fitter and drops a little in grade so he cannot be overlooked second-up from a short break.
RACE 9 - MOVE SHE CAN (9) was friendless in betting but drove hard late to win on debut 25 days ago over 1000m at this track. Has a wide gate to contend with but with even luck she can prove that it was no fluke. READY TO SHINE (2) stalked the pace then went home too well last start over this distance at Gosford when lining up for only the second time. Subsequently trialled well so he should keep the momentum up. SHINE YOUR LIGHT (5) showed pace and wasn't beaten far in a 1200m Randwick Highway recently. Saves her best for Scone so with a bit of luck from the horror draw she should be in the finish. LONHRO'S QUEEN (15) has been freshened up since failing over 1400m at Tamworth seven weeks ago. Watch for her to be steaming home late. ZAHDI (7) is back in grade today and can improve on a modest fifth over 1300m here last time out.
