Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DON QUIXOTE (10) won well over the 2230m three back, before giving his all with the 60kg when a slogging third over 1900m at Armidale on October 5. Nice weight drop with the claim and he looks up to this stiffer test from the good gate. Genuine contender. RING AHOY (1) placed this trip and had too much to do last start with the 63.5kg when a plugging fifth over 1600m at Coonamble on October 13. Has placed this trip and he finds a fairly average BM66 here. Can take a hand in the finish. ANOTHER GIFT (11) won two-in-a-row before disappointing with the 60.5kg when fifth over 1800m at Wauchope on October 19. On the quick back up and he can surprise here with just 52kg. ANCIENT EGYPT (5) has won over the 2050m and looking for this journey now after chipping away late when sixth over 1600m at Coonamble on October 13. Grima rides again with the claim, and he has the right figures to take a hand in the finish.
RACE 2 - TORNADO EXPRESS (3) resumes after showing some ability last campaign, scoring back-to-back wins. Has been readied for the return with two trials and can work through the grades this time in. ENTERPRISE LEGEND (4) scored two back and backed it up with a close second last time out. Won the lone attempt at this circuit and distance. Contender. SIMPLY BETTER (7) has a decent record and the blinkers come off today and the winkers go on. Back in trip when she finished a close up fourth over 1000m at Orange last time out. Can run into the minor money. MANAGE THE CYCLE (8) can do better.
RACE 3 - MAGIC SORCERER (6) finds his race today fourth up and gets the blinkers for the first time. Just under three weeks between runs when tiring late to secure third over 1450m at Kempsey on October 8. No excuses here with the senior rider on. ILLENIUM (10) had mixed luck this time in and worth one more chance with Ella Drew's 3kg claim. Expected to get the trip and he can run into the money despite drawing out. LET'S GO LEO (12) disappointed of late, but anywhere near his best form can see him take a hand in the finish today. KUROSHINZO (2) did a good job for a resuming second and can progress off that.
RACE 4 - ARTIC PANTHER (1) made progress last start as $1.90 fav when a close up second over 1100m at Mudgee on October 5. Finds a fairly average today and gets his chance with the claim from the low gate. HOLLYWOOD GOLD (4) spoiled a good run of form last start after drawing out when a plugging fifth over 1000m at Muswellbrook. Drawn out again but drop in weight with the claim. Can run into the minor money. IMPRESSIONISM (9) has been trialling well and the inside draw and is an aid to a first starter. Stablemate and fellow debutant SHOWRATA (11) is worth keeping safe.
RACE 5 - READY TO DRINK (11) Territories filly out of a Stratum mare on debut for the Kris Lees yard. Had the five trials in readiness for this and gets her chance from the low gate. ROSE WATER (12) three-year-old filly by Calyx out of the stakes winning mare Aqua D'amore. Fitted with four trials and looked good when winning her trial two back at Newcastle. MARS ROVER (7) resumes today with the one placing from 10 starts. Not asked to do much when fourth in a recent trial at Newcastle. Well drawn with the claim and has place prospects. RUBINSKY (13) is worth keeping safe.
RACE 6 - PAMPUNI (5) five weeks between runs for the new stable when a disappointing 12th over 1400m at Tamworth on September 30. Fitter now and no surprise to see her take a hand in the finish. I'M SCARLETT (7) undefeated in two runs back in much easier grade this prep. Gets in light with the claim and can add value to the exotics from the inside gate. RURA PENTHE (3) has bene within 2L of the winner in each of three runs this time in and will be peaking now. SMART JAZZ (8) ran on for a close fourth last time. Go well.
RACE 7 - AWESOME TYCOON (3) came from near last on the turn at first run back when a tenacious sixth over 1280m at Muswellbrook on October 7. Undefeated second up and can race much closer from the low gate. Expected to go close. HARDYO (4) won two-in-a-row before struggling at his last two appearances. Finally draws a decent gate with the claim. Not to be underestimated. MAGIC FLYER (8) is racing consistently with top-four finishes in all four starts this time in. Go well again. OAKFIELD WARPAINT (1) worked home okay last start and draws to advantage.
RACE 8 - CALGA POWER (3) bumped into the promising Force Red on debut before scoring a dominant maiden win over 1000m at Tamworth last time out. Sparingly raced and he can continue on his winning ways. ARDONAUGH (6) strips fitter for this after going out hard before fading late when third over 1006m at Grafton on September 23. Claim helps and she's undefeated second up. MISS REBEL (4) strengthened up over the break and she gave them a galloping lesson second up when a dominant 2.5 len victory over 1000m at Muswellbrook on October 7. Maps well and she looks one of the leading prospects. STRATIFIED (2) has claims off the win two back.
