Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BOLTA (1) is third-up off two narrow defeats at Ascot and Belmont in Open 3s. Suited and has more to give. He can break through. UUKHAI (2) is also third-up bringing placings from the same venues. Will likely use the rail and is a quinella hope along with RISSOLES (7) resuming off a try at Listed level. Missed 1L in a no-metro-win at Bunbury prior on debut. Chris Parnham is reunited. JOKERS GRIN (4) had good support at Belmont on debut and turned in a tidy effort. He can build on that.
RACE 2 - ROCKING GEM (7) races forward and improved beaten 2.2L at Ascot in a CL1 and again when narrowly defeated at Belmont at this level. She has the early speed to skip across the field and can go one better. CANNY ROCK (1) just missed twice at Belmont and resumed with a tidy effort there. He should secure a soft run and fitter is a decent chance. Rocking Gem's stablemate LEENA'S LUCK (10) debuts and her latest trial was sharp. A leading hoop sticks from that and she should go well. IMPENDING FEATURE (8) can go better second-up. She has pieces of form that stack up.
RACE 3 - DESERT EDGE (3) found Hit The Lights much too good here 11 days ago over 2000m but covered the others. Keeps Chris Parnham and he finds a winnable assignment. SKITTISH (1) found more like his best beaten 2.5L over a mile. Ran his best race in an Open 3 over this distance and he can secure the run of the race. Tougher sorting the rest on what we've seen. COLD JUSTICE (4) is third up and finished it off okay at Pinjarra 7 days ago over a mile. Fitter again and the longer journey is likely to suit. CLAIREANN (8) peaks and may be the best of the rest.
RACE 4 - PETROUCHKA (8) raced new here heavily bet before spelling. Resumed at Bunbury and found one much too good. She will be much sharper over the longer sprint with the extra fitness. It's hard to risk the potent Pike-Williams linkage. QUEENSLAND DIESEL (2) resumed much improved beaten a nose here over 1300m. He impressed after settling rearward in a sizable field. Fitter now and will be powering home again. ABISSI (3) has threatened both outings and started at prohibitive odds at Pinjarra last time over this distance. Pike gets off but he gets Chris Parnham and can make the finish with average luck from the sticky gate. BEST PRESENT (9) resumes and looked sharp winning a recent Lark Hill trial. Pike rode in that and she gets the in-form Brad Parnham today. She's likely to race well.
RACE 5 - BONNIE LAD (2) resumes and is proven fresh. Owns a Lark Hill trial win. Has the outside barrier, but 2x winning rider CJP is engaged, which helps offset. Has the ability. STORM COMMANDER (1) has been knocking on the door in stronger class at Ascot. Finds the right race but the awkward barrier is a niggle. SABINO (9) looked in need of the first-up outing. His second-up record is sharp and Pike sticking aboard is a decent push for his chance. MILITARY POWER (4) peaks and is much better than the form line suggests. He will run along and has weight relief. Ready to show more.
RACE 6 - Competitive. STYLISH LORD (2) had no luck in stronger at Belmont and brought strong Ascot form to that. He races handy and the extra 200m suits better. Carries more weight but this is a suitable assignment. DON'T TRUST JUDAS (6) is in the top barn and was only beaten 1.4L at Belmont first up. The lightly raced galloper has more up his sleeve and CJP replaced the 3kg apprentice. Won his only second-up start and will keep improving. LINDEN'S GOLD (1) led and folded up badly here over a mile. He missed a whisker over 1300m at Belmont prior at this level. That's a truer measure of his ability and Chris Parnham is a positive jockey switch replacing the 3kg apprentice. Has an awkward barrier to manage. BAY STREET (12) is a former Queenslander and he has his third start for the Grantham yard. He is still off his peaks and Pike is reunited. The rails gate is his to use.
RACE 7 - IDYLLIC RULER (2) stepped up to this distance and found more like his best winning his Maiden. Followed that with a 1L defeat at Belmont in a CL3 on a heavy track. It was a tough effort. He's capable of sitting closer today and is better suited at this level. A decent chance to bounce. TON OF GRUNT (4) came from the rear to win his Maiden easily and followed with a 2L defeat in a Belmont Open 3. He gives away starts but has further scope for improvement and is a threat. The maiden KILLARNEY (5) is third-up and was heavily bet when beaten 1.7L here last time. He has a wide barrier but Pike has the confidence to stick with him. Has the blinkers applied again and keep him onside. ALMAYA (1) peaked and deserved the Belmont Maiden win stepping up to this distance. Needs luck but will be around the mark.
