Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - RHINESTONE RORY (2) finds the maiden win elusive but has come close on a few occasions. Has placed at both attempts at this venue and over this journey. Draws well for gun hoop Toeroek. Ready to get off the mark. MERCURY FLYER (1) took a nice step forward at the latest when beaten a long neck. Rock-hard fit now and only has to hold his form to be featuring. GREY FOLLY (7) has had plenty of cracks at it without breaking through but has found the frame 11 times. Gets in light at the weights with the 3kg claimer engaged and she's not without her chance. FOXY EAGLE (6) next best.
RACE 2 - DUBAI FOCUS (10) showed good tactical speed when resuming here last start, only to be grabbed on the line. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and Holder sticking reads favourably. Bold showing is anticipated. COMMISSIONS (3) was denied narrowly on debut but has since struggled to threaten in town. Strikes a much more suitable assignment this time as he steps back out in trip off a 34-day break. Expect him to be featuring. WHISKERS HARBOUR (14) is going better than his form suggests despite finishing out of the frame. Nearing his peak now and has Toeroek on again. Worth following up. DARK LAGER (4) strips fitter second-up and is open to sharp improvement. Don't dismiss.
RACE 3 - SHINGLEY BEACH (12) is an Omaha Beach filly stepping out on debut for the Bain & Taylor partnership. Promising type who scored a comfortable trial win. Should go well. SECTORS (10) closed off nicely to the line on debut here when beaten a head. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and gets in well at the weights again with the 3kg claimer engaged. Expect her to be very competitive. BLEAK MID WINTER (1) returns and makes his stable debut for the Clarken & O'Shea team. Was good on debut back in Vic, hasn't been seen at public trials in lead-up but is expected to run well. JEWELS CAPTAIN (5) is a likely improver in his second outing. Keeping safe.
RACE 4 - SWYCHO (2) made light work of his maiden last start in town. Looks a progressive type and should handle the rise in trip. Can go on with it with Todd Pannell sticking. CUBAN LORD (3) doesn't win out of turn but continues to run well. Strips rock-hard fit and gets in low at the weights again with the 3kg claimer sticking. Drops back to a more suitable trip and is a leading contender. GRUELLING (4) finds it tough to notch up his second win but is showing glimpses of ability. Expecting him to appreciate the rise in trip and Holder sticking is a positive. Nicely placed to turn things around. ARCHDEACON (7) finished at a rate of knots to miss by a head at Balaklava. Expect him to drift back again and be charging hard late.
RACE 5 - EVENTUALLY (9) was in a league of her own here last start when making a mess of them in a similar grade. Will drift back again from the draw before launching late. EASY BEAST (2) didn't give his rivals a sniff here last start when leading pillar-to-post. 3kg claimer goes on to aid the big weight. Should prove tough to reel in if the same tactics are implemented. ESKY (3) returns. Doesn't boast a strong first-up record but rates on best figures and gets a key booking in Holder from a nice draw. Don't underestimate. Smaller cases can also be made for KING HALSTON (8) second-up and the rock-hard fit KIRKLISTON BLU (4).
RACE 6 - MISS REMSKI (2) showed good tactical speed last start in this grade and fought on gamely in the lane to just miss the frame. Looks easier this time and is drawn to advantage as she drops back to a pet trip. The one to beat. OUR SHINING STAR (4) got too far back last start in town but did manage to make some late inroads. Will find this easier and is the obvious threat on best figures. LIMBERING (9) went forward last start in town and fought hard in the lane, only to be chinned on the line. Draws to go forward again and should take some reeling in. SHE'S GREYSFUL (1) didn't come up last time in but is much better than that run suggests. Trial placing in readiness she's come back in good order. Deserves respect on best figures.
RACE 7 - Open affair. SIR KINGSFORD (5) missed by a lip fresh and then was brave in the LR Balaklava Cup last start when finishing just out of the placings. Drops back to a winning trip off a 44-day freshen. Will take some beating. LONGER ROUTE (15) has returned in terrific form this campaign. Is sure to burn across early and give punters a bold sight. Loves this trip and will be in this for a very long way. EASY CAMPESE (9) was only fair to the line when resuming at Murray Bridge. Usually needs a run or two before he hits his straps but he should be up for this. Will appreciate the hot tempo and is a genuine winning hope. BAMYAN BUDDHA (10) hasn't broken through for a while but is ticking along superbly. Unbeaten over this track and trip and comes through some nice form races. Another bold showing is anticipated. Can also mount cases for JENKINS (12) and MIDNIGHT MASS (6) second-up, watch for the latter climbing over their backs late.
RACE 8 - LEFT TURN CLYDE (6) is yet to break through this campaign but is going better than his form suggests. Measures up well on best figures. Gets his chance to break a long run of outs. ICHIBANSAN (3) returns well shy of a preferred trip but has his share of ability. Gets the chance to settle close from the inside alley and gets in well at the weights with the 3kg claimer aboard. Don't be surprised to see him getting involved at a nice quote. Last-start maiden winner ARTICULATING (10) is another that deserves serious consideration. Will look to burn across from the wide draw and should give backers another bold sight. The resuming TOSEN WATER (7) holds claims on best figures, and BETSY'S FLAG (11) is open to sharp improvement after a flat first-up run in town. Don't dismiss.
