Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - OPEN PEARLY GATES (3) showed good early dash on debut when a fighting neck second over 1300m at Dubbo on October 4. Out of a strong country stable and can go one better today from the good gate. EXCELLENT STRAAND (12) had some support late in betting on debut when a fast finishing fifth over 1000m at Dubbo three weeks ago. Further improved and will relish the extra distance. HOKU (2) is an 18-start maiden who finished off strongly on resumption to secure fifth in the heavy (8) going over 1200m at Tamworth on October 14. On the quick back-up and can take a hand in the finish. TRIUMPHANT RETURN (5) can sneak into the minor money.
RACE 2 - TOYGER (17) consistent gelding who finds his right race today at start 15. Finished in the minor money at all three runs back and will relish the drop in weight. No excuses here. BETHSHEBA (7) at her peak for this and back in grade after holding on well when fourth over 900m at Newcastle on October 5. Poorly drawn but finds a fairly weak event. MISSILE LOVE (9) resumes. Showed some promising signs last campaign but needs to take another step to threaten here. In the mix. MAJOR LIGHTNING (4) first-starter for the Jeremy Gask stable. Keep safe.
RACE 3 - DON'T DOUBT MERLIN (5) resumes after scoring a good maiden win on debut two back, before tiring late with the 59.5kg when fourth over 1000m at Goulburn on June 21. Returns with the one trial win over 821m and expected to go close. FULL REVOLUTION (2) fitter after two runs back and will find this more to his liking after disappointing when seventh to the handy Island Dec over 1000m at Kembla Grange on October 3. Claim helps and ticks plenty of boxes with the blinkers going on. WILLINGALE (4) only the one win from 15 starts but indicated he was close to another victory when a fighting on pace second over 1000m here on October 7. Wilkes rides again with the claim and sure to be prominent. RELUCTANCE (3) knocked up late when resuming with a plugging sixth over 900m at this track on October 7. Placed second up and will appreciate the claim and the blinkers going on.
RACE 4 - LADY FELINA (14) even effort on debut four weeks back when 2 lens sixth over 1200m at Nowra on September 22. Further improved and desperate for the extra trip. Each way. MAD HARRY (3) is an eight-start maiden who had no luck at his second run back from the wide gate when seventh over 1400m at Dubbo in stronger company. Maps well and improvement is anticipated. TWENTY FOUR GUNS (7) fitter after one run back and this looks easier after finishing seventh over 1500m at Newcastle on October 5. Expecting more today. PASSALACQUA (1) has ability and is racing well with two minor placings from three starts. Can go one better here.
RACE 5 - OLLIE'S SECRET (4) solid effort on resumption when holding on well to finish sixth over 1280m at this track on October 7. Claim helps again and trained on the track. WAITAPU (8) attacked the line late from well back when a sound third over 1300m at Dubbo on October 4. Drop in weight suits and not to be underestimated in this company. Each-way. BEST OF MAHER (10) strengthened up over the break and finished in the minor money at all three runs back. Big effort from the wide gate when a gritty second over 1600m at Narromine on September 23. Stays in the mix. FUSAICHI FAMILY (5) has top four claims.
RACE 6 - MEDIA FRENZY (4) handy mare with her hoof on the till after a string of minor placings. Snagged back from the wide draw before launching late with an eye catching second over 1400m at Goulburn on October 8. Should get the right tempo to go close again. BUSH TELEGRAPH (2) fitter now after two runs back and the blinkers go on for the first time. Made up good ground late from the wide gate when sixth over 1450m at this track on October 7. Senior rider on and expected to run well. PARIS LAD (3) consistent gelding in the money on all five occasions and set to peak third up. Came out fast from the awkward gate when a tenacious third over 1300m at Scone in the heavy going at latest. Blinkers go on and no shock to see him take this out. ALICE MAE (1) improving mare who relished the extra trip when a tough maiden winner over 1500m at Newcastle on October 5. Ready for this and she doesn't have to improve much to go close again.
RACE 7 - EXTREME MERGER (6) handy gelding who resumed with a solid win two back, before drifting back from the wide gate when an eye catching fourth over 1300m at Narromine on September 23. Well drawn for this with the claim and expected to go close. EDGE OF MIDNIGHT (5) returned to form with a fighting win over this track and distance last time out. Drawn to stalk the good tempo and can play a leading role again. RUSSLEY TIARA (14) consistent type who has had two runs back from a spell. Last start scored by a neck over 1000m at Tamworth. Look for another big run. IN SPADES (7) has place claims.
RACE 8 - MIDNIGHT DREAM (2) returned good figures late when resuming with an eye catching nose second over 1000m at Dubbo on October 4. Will race closer today in this easier contest and prove hard to hold out. MOVIN' DENMAN (7) third-up today and won third-up previously. Two runs back have been excellent and he has a solid record at this track and trip. Back in grade and he looks one of the leading players. TOO DARN LOVELY (8) at her top now and the 3kg claim helps again after going out hard before fading late when sixth over 1000m at Tamworth on September 16. Drawn out and she has genuine top four prospects. IVY DIVA (11) lightly raced filly with plenty of upside resuming. Scored a fast finishing maiden win in the heavy going at Scone over 1100m on August 9. Fitted with a recent trial win and look for her late.
