Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DETORON (6) finally got off the mark last start when making light work of his maiden at Mildura. Has always shown ability and gets the services of in-form Brazilian hoop Manoel Nunes. Can go on with it. MENACE TO SOBRIETY (3) didn't give his rivals last start at Gawler when leading pillar-to-post. Has gone back to the trials in between runs to keep the legs ticking over. Draws to go forward again and should be further improved. SPEC RAIDER (7) doesn't win out of turn but does possess a strong turn of foot on her day. Could land in a tricky spot from the inside alley but could prove tough to hold out if close enough. CUBAN LORD (1) is another who doesn't boast the best winning strike rate but rarely finishes far away. Gets in well at the weights again with the 3kg claimer engaged and should make his presence felt again.
RACE 2 - SURPRISE PENDING (14) is an Impending filly on debut for the Shane & Cassie Oxlade team. Impressed at the trials a few months ago before being tucked back away. Suspect she's above average and she can make a very bright start. BENDING AWAY (10) was poised to pounce fresh but just lacked a fitness edge late. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt, will just need a smart steer from the wide alley. KORATORA (12) showed good tactical speed here on debut two weeks ago, only to be reeled in late. Fitter now and should go forward again to give a bold sight. TERRITORIAN (8) returns. Didn't fire a shot in his debut prep but looks to have come on nicely during the break judging his lead-up trial. Don't overlook.
RACE 3 - PAINTED PONY (12) finds the maiden win elusive, but it certainly hasn't been without trying. Continues to knock on the door and this looks her best chance yet to break through. Anticipate her to appreciate the added 200m and prove very tough to stop. JUSTA STAR (9) put the writing on the wall here last start when beaten a head as favourite. Drops back in trip and gets in well again at the weights with the 2kg claimer engaged. Sure to be in this for a very long way. ALL TOO MYSTI (14) hasn't done much wrong in her first three starts, just finding some better ones on the day. Cherry-ripe now and is among the main hopes. PENDING HEART (5) will be doing his best work late and can add some juice to the exotics.
RACE 4 - HEADPHONES (1) was much better two back at Strathalbyn when flashing home late. Went better than the form reads last start when chasing an above average one a Murray Bridge. Relishes this trip and is aided under the big weight with the 3kg claimer engaged. Leading player back at this level. SCANDALIST (3) improved sharply here last start when making light work of her maiden. Tougher this time but suggest she can give this a big shake with hot-hand hoop in Opperman sticking. RELIABLE (6) knuckled down gamely to fend off her rivals here two weeks. Not drawn as kind this time and carries more weight but deserves respect. SUGGESTIVE MISS (4) hasn't won for a very long time but is going better than her form reads this campaign. Draws kindly and gets some help under the big weight. Don't overlook. PIWHANE (7) was only warming to her task late in the piece when resuming at Penola. Fitter and could sneak into the frame.
RACE 5 - SIOUX WARRIOR (2) strikes a much easier assignment here after some solid efforts against stronger company. Draws well and gets in-form hoop Todd Pannell on first time over a winning track and trip. The one to beat. HEY MIKKI (7) returns. Struck a hot maiden when resuming off a long break at Oakbank last campaign, then dug deep to get off the mark second-up. Looks to have come back in good order and keeps the blinkers on first time race day after trialling strongly in them in readiness. Main danger. BOOMSONG (1) returns and makes his stable debut for the smart Bain & Taylor partnership. Strips fitter for two lead-up trials and is worth considering, even more so if the market agrees. IN LOVE (5) will hunt forward to take up the running. Can give punters a bold sight.
RACE 6 - BANGERANG REDBACK (2) loomed up and let down nicely to make light work of his rivals last start at Penola. Not too much tougher here and draws well again over a winning trip. Can make it two on the bounce. SPLASH LANDING (7) dug deep to arrive just in time and shed her maiden tag here two weeks ago. Has upside but is drawn to go back from the wide alley. Watch for her charging late. MANDINO (3) is another that finally got off the mark last start. Also draws out but possesses enough tactical speed to offset early. Drops back in trip but can give a bold sight. MR TRAFFICANTI (6) next best.
RACE 7 - SOLAR MIST (1) returned with a bang at Murray Bridge when charging home to get the verdict. Not as effective last start when dropping out in the lane. Strips fitter third-up and gets a key booking in Holder from the gun draw. Sharp bounce back anticipated. THE LADIES MAN (11) only got going late in the piece when resuming here at the start of the month, then came along nicely second-up when beaten 0.5L. Peaking now as he stays at a pet trip. Main danger. ROYAL TRAPEZE (6) was far from his best last start in town but was much better here the start prior when shedding his maiden tag. Has upside and is worth another chance. SIR PANAMA (13) next.
