Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - THE KING'S AFFAIR (9) switched barns and missed a whisker here first-up. Brought strong provincial and metro form to that and fitter should have them covered. WAR TACTICS (1) was also first-up for a new stable and was beaten 2L in the same contest. Has a low barrier today and a 2kg claim and may get closer. SLAVICA (8) resumes and has switched from a metro born. Has placed fresh and her best would have her right in it. CALICO'S GIRL (7) just battled away second-up after a tidy return. She has more to give and finally draws an inside gate. In the mix.
RACE 2 - ALL BRAVE (4) had one run last campaign and didn't come up. His two city runs prior were easily good enough for this grade. He's switched barns and the betting moves hold the key. WUHAN WARRIOR (1) led and showed more like his best leading and winning a 64 here. Has to carry 5.5kg more but peaks and will take pegging back. MANTELLI (2) resumed here and needed it. He'd trialled well at Lark Hill and can improve quickly over the longer sprint. SHAMARA (7) is proven third up and maps for a soft run. She'd be a hope finding her best.
RACE 3 - CRYSTAL VAIN (2) fell at Narrogin and then came here and belted the 56 grade by 5L. Followed that with a near miss this grade over 1200m heavily bet again. Finally draws a low barrier and can repeat the dose. HAFEY (4) won and then was narrowly beaten at Ascot before the easy win here at 56 level. Draws awkwardly again but will finish hard. Tougher sorting the remainder. PASSPORT (6) resumed in the Crystal Vain race and needed the run. He has won second up and gets in well with the 3kg claim. In the mix. SPEEDING COMET (3) found more like his best here second-up and is in the mix.
RACE 4 - ORTUM KRISP (2) has threatened both starts since being switched to this circuit. Pushed forward from an outside barrier last time and has the advantage of the rail today. Has a handy 3kg claim and can go one better. WOJTEK (4) would win this at best but has been disappointing. Maps for the run of the race and has a jockey switch to Kissick. No surprise to see him go better. TOWNSVILLE (6) is speedy and delivered here in a CL1 as favourite. Turned the recent form around and can make the finish with average luck from the outside barrier. CALICO KID (3) won that contest and was also sharply better. Draws out again but keeps the 2kg claim and is in the mix as well.
RACE 5 - SLY AS A FOX (3) ran some handy races at Geraldton and then came here and won the 58 over a mile. That stacks right up and the 2kg takes care of most of the weight rise. Come back to 1400m following a freshen and will be hard to beat holding the form. SET THE SCENE (2) switched from Geraldton and won here this grade as expected. The money came again following beaten 2L. He also has an awkward barrier but keeps the handy 3kg claim and can make the finish with average luck. ZERA BLUE (10) was ordinary last time out behind Townsville and best to measure on the Geraldton placing prior. She should get every chance. ALKALINE (4) finished among the placings last time when third at this track and should be further improved.
RACE 6 - Competitive. MIR (2) rode the speed and resumed with a tidy win in a CL3 over 1200m. He has a low barrier and plenty up his sleeve. Fitter and the 3kg claim brings him right into it. HEARTFORD HOUSE (6) switched barns and won the 56 here first-up. He was immediately back to his best and fitter he has decent claims. WISE WORDS (4) found her best narrowly beaten behind Heartford House as favourite. Fitter and will come hard. MADAME PRO (9) was a big CL1 winner and raced favourite again following beaten 1.5L behind Mir. Draws wide and loses the 3kg claim. In the mix with average luck.
