Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Competitive maiden to kick things off. ASTROGAZER (7) showed good tactical speed on debut at Moruya and didn't lie down in the lane when beaten 0.5L. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt. Hot-hand hoop in Heywood takes over. Can open the account. LOST YA SOCK (9) progressed nicely second-up when chasing gamely into the placings here. Blinkers go on first time. Further improvement anticipated. MENUHIN (2) is building nicely into this prep after resuming off a long break. Strips fitter third-up and will be breaking through sooner rather than later. AMERICAN KESTREL (4) only just missed at Narrandera last start. Keeping safe.
RACE 2 - Stack of debutants engaged. CAMBAR (4) is a Pierata colt stepping out for a smart local barn. Worked nicely into the placings here under her own accord in recent trial. 2kg claimer sticks from trial. Bright start anticipated. SHESOUTOFTHISWORLD (10) is a Stratosphere filly on debut for the Ben Brisbourne stable and is another that has shown promising signs at the trials, stripping fitter for an Echuca one of her own. Drawn sticky but is expected to make her presence felt. MISS MIKKI ISLE (3) is another of the debutants that warrant a market watch on the back of a soft trial on the Riverside track here in readiness. Key booking in Heywood adds confidence. MARY LE BONE (1) returns and looks the best of the raced ones. Lead-up trial suggest he's sharply improved.
RACE 3 - ACE OF LACE (7) finds the maiden win elusive but has shown glimpses of ability. Warmed to her task nicely over the concluding stages last start at Seymour. Drawn to take closer order this time and is one of the key contenders. MASTER ARTIST (13) battled on soundly into fourth on debut at Canberra Acton. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt. ROWDY SHEBANG (9) didn't fire a shot first-up on the syntho but should improve second-up. Better showing anticipated. ALPINE ROSE (8) has gone back to the trials after a poor first-up run here. Blinkers go on first time. Sharp improvement anticipated.
RACE 4 - CRAFT (1) disappointed last start when firm in the market. Better than that run suggests. Gets the blinkers on first time to sharpen him up. Can bounce back sharply. DREAMSTONE (9) resumes and stays under notice. Turned in some strong performances last campaign that would have him right in the finish here. Wide alley the only knock. NEWYORK MISSILE (3) lengthened nicely to shed his maiden tag here last start. Tougher now but warrants respect. VONK (7) has been mixing his form this campaign but has shown some glimpses of ability. Keeping safe.
RACE 5 - DAZE OFF (6) was a smart maiden winner here last start. Obviously tougher this time but possess a positive racing pattern and can step up to the mark. XSPIRITOUS (7) was poised to strike when returning at Moruya but just lacked a fitness edge late. Better for the hit-out and is among the key chances. MILLER TIME (2) is a track and trip specialist returning. Gets the key booking of Heywood from a low stall. In the mix. SCOFFA (4) wasn't disgraced fresh but failed to fire a shot in town last start. Better placed now and is worth some thought.
RACE 6 - GUNDY GUY (2) was far from disgraced when resuming in Highway company at Randwick. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and is unbeaten at this track. Just needs to lug the big weight. SALUTE AGAIN (1) returns and strips fitter for a solid hitout here in readiness. Tackled some handy races last campaign in a bid for a Country Championships slot, those formlines an obvious push for his chances. 4kg claimer jumps on to aid the big weight. Main threat. COMANCHE NORTH (6) was much better here last start when finishing in the frame. Only appeal off that run. GOLD TRACKER (7) next.
RACE 7 - MAKE IT SWEET (12) returned with a bang here last start when climbing over their backs late to score. Further improvement anticipated second-up and the kind draw can have her settling closer. The one to beat. STAR BUYER (6) put the writing on the wall last start at Moruya when just missing. Peaking now and has the in-form Heywood taking backing over. Main danger. KING DE LUNE (11) hasn't threatened in his last two but has been tackling strong company in Vic. Headed back to the trials between runs and should be ready to make his presence felt. Last-start winner TIZSO FAB (5) also holds claims.
