Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MAGNA MAK (6) closed off gamely into the placings on debut at Morphettville. Was solid in the market and is sure to have come on with that run under the belt. Big chance to shed the maiden tag this time. TALISAY (3) is ready to make her return for the Cozamanis yard. Was a determined winner on debut before being sent straight to Listed company, where she was a bit out of her depth. Reunites with Holder and gets blinkers on first time. Main danger. SNORE ROOM (1) got off the mark in great fashion two back but struggled last time in town when sent out favourite. Gets some weight off his back and is well placed to make his presence felt. BAD TO THE BONE (2) also resumes. Turned in some solid efforts in his debut prep and warrants safe keeping.
RACE 2 - NIKOLSKY (13) only warmed to his task late on debut at Morphettville when closing off nicely into a midfield finish. Improvement to come and is drawn much kinder. Worth following up. MAHI MAHI (12) has come along nicely in her last two starts. Should be nearing her peak now and takes benefit from Holder sticking. Among the key chances. TOTEMO HAYAI (10) was a lot better last start when just missing the frame at Penola. Comes right into calculations after a few key scratchings. RUSCHEYNE (7) was below his best when resuming here a fortnight ago but should improve with that run under his belt. Keep safe.
RACE 3 - ROB THE BANK (9) caught the eye late here on debut a fortnight ago when running home strongly to fill the frame. Improvement to come but will likely head back again from the wide alley and be charging hardest late. THINKINGNINTYNINE (10) battled on evenly to hold down a minor placing when resuming here last start. Is another that will improve with that run under the belt and can give this a big shake. INAUGURAL (6) returns and makes his stable debut for Bob Richard. Failed to make an impression back in Vic but looks to have come on nicely during the break, hitting the line nicely in a recent Oakbank trial. The booking of Holder reads favourably. Can play a major role. SAINT MICHAEL (3) finds the maiden win elusive but wasn't far away two back when missing by a neck at Strathalbyn. Keep in mind.
RACE 4 - THE CASSINI (2) picked up nicely in the lane to just miss at Mildura. Rates highly on best figures and the rise in trip suits. Bold showing anticipated. FANTASTIC HOST (4) got off the mark with a determined win two back and then followed it up with a solid effort at Swan Hill when sent out favourite. Strikes an easier assignment this time and is a winning hope. HARBOURING (1) has plenty of early dash and is sure to be giving another bold sight. Shoulders a handy record at this venue and could just catch them snoozing. ALLUSION (6) showed improvement last start at Gawler when filling the frame. Steps out to a preferred trip and has a key jockey booking in Holder. Don't take lightly.
RACE 5 - BERKINSON (5) made it two on the bounce last start when knuckling down strongly to get the verdict at Port Augusta. This is a bit tougher but he's in terrific form and can bring up the hat-trick. JIMMYS EDGE (6) returns. Is yet to score fresh but steps back out over a track and trip he relishes and is drawn to advantage. Worth serious thought. DAMAGED (2) was an eye-catcher when resuming at Murray Bridge and then followed it up with a sound minor placings. Should be nearing his peak third-up and is among the main hopes. REGAL DANCER (7) has been well below his best in his two runs back but tackles a much easier assignment this time and is 1/1 over the track and trip. Don't take lightly.
RACE 6 - D'ISLES (8) picked up in great style in the lane to earn herself a minor cheque at Strathalbyn. Expecting a similar display from the wide draw. Watch for her climbing over their backs late. FIZIQUE (1) failed to threaten last start when tackling tougher opposition in town. Will appreciate the drop in grade and is a major player on best efforts. Can improve sharply. ROCKBARTON ROAD (5) put the writing on the wall here last start when beaten a head. Drawn well and gets her chance to break a long run of outs. KING OF AVALON (3) wasn't far away at Penola and warrants safe keeping.
RACE 7 - SUPER SHARP (3) was only warming to his task late when resuming at Port Augusta. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt as he steps out to a winning trip. Leading player. ZERO INN (4) gave backers a bold sight last start at Edenhope, only to be gunned down on the line. Is drawn to advantage from the inside pillar and is aided at the weights with the 3kg claimer engaged. Expect her to take some reeling in. NAVY GOLD (9) never looked likely when resuming at Murray Bridge against tougher opposition but was doing his best work late. This is easier and he is sure to appreciate the rise in trip. GARRIRE (11) next best.
