Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - NYMPHADORA (1) second-up today and he comes off a 47-day let-up. Started a firm $1.30 (fav) first-up when a disappointing fifth over 1000m here on September 7. Kept up to the mark with a recent 1000m trial placing and no excuses in this easier contest. BENZOU (9) closed off well on debut from the wide gate when a sound fourth over 1000m at this track on October 10. Further improved and he looks one of the leading contenders. DONWON (3) returned for his second prep when stalking the pace for a narrow second at this course and distance two weeks ago. Drawn out but expected to be strong late. BROKERAGE (2) been in work for a long time and due for a change of luck. Gave his all in the heavy (9) going when a tough fourth over 1100m at Scone on September 27. Value runner.
RACE 2 - LEANTOTHEMOON (1) turned in a much better effort when stalking the early speed to hold on and finish second over 1100m at this track on October 10. Finds an easier race and no excuses from the good draw. HAWKER HALL (5) Russian Revolution gelding out of a I Am Invincible mare on debut for the Kris Lees yard. He's looked handy in both trial wins and just needs luck early from the sticky gate. AROHA STONE (9) returns for her second prep after debuting in a strong race when ninth over 1100m in the LR Woodlands at Scone on May 18. Returns with the two good trials and expected to play a leading role. FAST BLUE (4) resumed from a lengthy break with an even seventh over this track and trip on October 10. Drops in weight with the 3kg claim and expecting more from the good gate.
RACE 3 - HIGHLAND EIGHTGEE (9) fitter after one run back and expected to go close here at start 16. Gave his all with the 56kg when a gritty second over 1200m at Kembla Grange after sitting on the good tempo on October 12. Drops further in weight with the claim and the extra distance helps his cause. LUCKY FORCE (1) finished in the minor money at four of his five starts and looks to have strengthened over the break. Senior rider on second up and he looks one of the leading contenders. EPIC STATEMENT (6) fitter now afte resuming with a solid on pace third over 1250m at Newcastle on October 1. Further improved and the extra trip helps. ALTAIR I AM (3) resuming for his third prep after having mixed luck last time in. Fitted with the one soft 900m trial and expected to play a leading role.
RACE 4 - SPACE ACE (3) came out fast on debut from the inside gate when a fighting second over 1300m at Canberra on October 11. Strips fitter now and he looks the main danger despite drawing out. TASTULA (4) shuffled back early from the inside gate at his first run back when a plugging eighth over 1400m at Randwick Kensington on October 9. This is more to his liking, and he can take a hand in the finish. AL FLORES (5) close to her peak now and liked the wat she attacked the line late when fourth over 1300m here on October 10. Can figure prominently. NANTUCKET ISLAND (9) returns from a 47-day let-up after pulling up lame on resumption when eighth over 1400m here on September 7. Since fitted with two trials and expecting a much better showing today.
RACE 5 - FLYING BANDIT (5) progressive gelding who returned good figures late when a fast finishing second behind State Of America over 1800m at Randwick in Midway grade on October 5. Can race much closer from the inside gate and he's looking for this trip now. Goes close. COLOURS OF AUTUMN (4) handy mare who stretches out to this trip for the first time. Reunited with Zac Wadick who won on her three back and she's bred to get the distance. Each way. SO SLEEK (6) returned in good order and will find this easier after running on late second up when third over 1800m at Randwick Kensington in BM72 class on October 9. Can race closer from the better gate and take a hand in the finish. OAKFIELD MAMSELLE (8) hit the line with plenty of gusto when second over 1880m at Newcastle on October 5. Will get the trip and stays in the mix.
RACE 6 - ROLLING MAGIC (2) exciting gelding chasing his third straight victory. Got the gun run again when a slick winner over 1600m here with the 59kg on October 10. Will relish the 2kg claim for this and he has the upside to measure up again. DEVINE OUTCAST (9) holding her form well and a win looks imminent. Strong through the line at big odds when second over 1600m at Kembla Grange on O October 12. Has a fitness edge over some of these and due for a change of luck. WHATADILEMMA (5) only the one win from 17 starts and he's expected to sit closer to the speed with the blinkers going on for this. Three weeks between runs fourth over 1600m at this track on October 10. Senior rider back on and he stays in the mix. C'MON MATE (4) win record hardly excites and back in grade today after finishing sixth over 1400m at Warwick Farm on October 7. Will appreciate the extra trip with the nose roll going on.
RACE 7 - JOYNER (6) lightly raced mare with a stack of ability. Comes out of a strong race on resumption when second in this grade in fast time over this track and trip. Undefeated second up and she looks the one beat here. ELLIPSIS (10) gave her rivals a galloping lesson on debut when a dominant 1.75 len winner over this trip at Bathurst on September 15. Big jump in grade from the wide draw when a creditable fourth over 1100m at Warwick Farm on October 7. Further improved and she looks one of the main dangers. GLORIOSO (5) Godolphin filly with ability. Solid return from the awkward draw when third over 1100m here on October 10. Fitter now and capable of taking a hand in the finish. RANTAN (9) disappointed in two runs back and expecting more after winning on debut. Well drawn again and the cross over nose band goes on. Stays in the calculations.
RACE 8 - INSIST (11) got off the mark in grand style at his first run back, before jumping in class when a close up seventh over 1100m at Warwick Farm on October 7. Down slightly in weight and he will find this more to his liking. MR ROCK IT (5) raced well in this company in the past and further improved now after resuming with a gritty third over 1010m at Moruya on October 4. Goes just as well second up and senior rider takes over today. HERE COMES HOGAN (9) had mixed luck in two runs back and expecting more with the fast tempo anticipated. Stays in the calculations. CASSIEL (7) promising Harry Angel resuming after being gelded over the break. Has the two trials in readiness for this and expected to play a leading role.
