Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - QUEEN CALANTHE (4) progressed nicely second-up when beaten a head at Nowra. Is open to further improvement third-up and will be looking to get back and close hard again. Ready to get off the mark. JOY OF THE WORLD (8) couldn't live up to market expectations on debut at Dubbo, battling on only fairly into a midfield finish. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and this shouldn't be as tough. Worth another go. ANAISA (6) is a Dubious filly on debut for the smart Neasham & Archibald partnership. Has worked soundly to the line in her two trials in town. Any market support should be respected. BLOOMIN' GOLD (3) returns. Showed positive signs in her debut prep and should be forward enough for this off a Hawkesbury trial. Don't underestimate. WHITE CHRISTMAS (2) also returns and is drawn to get all the favours. Best of the rest.
RACE 2 - JUMP IN THE LINE (1) has left himself with too much to do in both runs back but has managed to make some inroads late. Fitter now and this is easier. Should prove tough to hold out if they can take closer order. DUBAI DAME (6) was no match for the top few last start on a wet Kembla Grange track but was better the start prior at Goulburn when finding the frame. Drops back to a more suitable trip and she should be somewhere near her peak. Bold showing anticipated. SCARLETT APLENTY (7) showed nice improvement last start at Canberra when battling on gamely into the placings. Draws to get all the favours third-up and gets in well at the weights with the 1.5kg claimer engaged. Right in this. ZOOMORPHIC (4) next best.
RACE 3 - PERFUMIST (7) returns. She was a smart debut winner back in April but not as effective at start two when tackling a Heavy surface. Strips fitter for two lead-up trials and will appreciate reuniting with winning hoop in Morgan. Is from a smart stable and is expected to take plenty of stitching. NEGATION (5) came from a long way back to just miss when resuming over the 900m at Scone. Should have come on nicely from that hitout and will eat up the extra 200m from a kinder draw. Great chance to break a long run of outs. SNITZAROO (1) only just missed when resuming at Nowra. Hasn't quite been able to go on with it in his last two but finds a nice race to get things back on track. BLACK ALEXANDRA (3) doesn't win out of turn but is knocking on the door and is worth some thought.
RACE 4 - Competitive race. AIN'T SHE SWELL (5) has savaged the line in both runs back at Dubbo. Will relish the rise in trip third-up and gets another chance to take closer order from the low draw, could go either way. CRUSHEEN LASS (9) stuck on gamely into fourth last start at Goulburn. Steps back in trip on the short turnaround and is drawn softly. Worth including. HOT GOSPEL (6) showed good early muster last start at Dubbo and dug deep in the lane to hold onto a minor placing. Morgan sticking is a positive. Expecting her to make her presence felt. BELGRANO (8) finds the maiden win elusive but has shown glimpses of ability. Drops back in trip off 32-day freshen. Don't dismiss. WORLD REIGN (4) next best.
RACE 5 - KUROSHINZO (3) returns and makes his stable debut for Mack Griffith. Has found it tough to break the ice but it certainly hasn't been without trying, showing some glimpses of talent back in Victoria. Looks to have come on nicely during the break and is expected to take some stopping. ROIGARD (11) put the writing on the wall last start at Mudgee when beaten less than a length. Strips rock-hard fit and is drawn softly. Worth good thought at long odds. TRUST A KITTY (12) only warmed to her task late when resuming at Dubbo, picking up strongly to nab third. Is sure to have come on with that run under her belt but is drawn to get right back. Watch for her charging late. ILLENIUM (6) disappointed last start but was better the start prior at Taree. Keeping safe under the light weight.
RACE 6 - TRAPEZE LEGEND (5) made light work of his rivals last start at Scone when shedding his maiden tag. Has more up his sleeve third-up and is drawn to get a soft run. Bold showing anticipated. FIRESTORM BOY (6) showed great tactical speed to lead pillar-to-post and break his maiden last start at Dubbo. This is obviously tougher but gets weight off and deserves respect. CONTRIVED (1) has returned in good order this campaign. Wasn't beaten far last start at Kembla Grange, despite finishing sixth. Strikes an easier assignment this time, just has to lug the big weight. LIGHT INFANTRY (3) lengthened nicely over the concluding stages to get off the mark last time out. Has more to offer third-up and he should appreciate the added trip. Right in this. QUICK ONYX (9) next best.
RACE 7 - ISHAMASHI (9) is yet to strike through this campaign but has been knocking on the door. Worth noting she was a debut winner here back in February. Draws low and gets in well at the weights as she steps back in trip. Bold showing anticipated. PRINCE PAPA (12) was far from his best last start at Goulburn when firm in the market. Willing to give him another chance on best efforts and under the light weight from the inside draw. GEOSTORM (8) didn't give his rivals a sniff last start when leading from go-to-woah. Tougher this time but winning hoop sticks and he deserves to be respected. MS REEVES (4) tackles an easier assignment this time after contesting a BM82 last time at Dubbo. Carries more weight but is among the key chances on best form.
