Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - IRISH STORM (3) quickly found his best Victorian form placing here over this distance. It was a tough effort from a wide barrier and he draws inside today. Gets in well with the 2kg claim and can win on the quick backup. FOREIGN LEGION (1) lacked a finishing dash last time but led and just found one better prior. He will use the rail and is worth another chance. MILES 'N' MILES (4) resumed in the same race and after settling last it was a mighty effort narrowly beaten. Keeps the handy 3kg claim and has more to give. Needs a good ride but the step-up to the mile suits. TWICE THE ICE (14) was much better last time and sits down in the weights. In the mix.
RACE 2 - MASTRETTA (14) just missed at her second start and it was a tough effort after settling well back in the field. She will have to do it the hard way but rates the one to beat. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (9) also needs a good ride but she resumes owning a trial win and is right up to this at best. Expect her to go well. GEE GEES BROTHER (2) also brings a trial win to resumption. He's capable and will get all the favours from an inside barrier. HALEN (6) peaks on a 7-day return and is ready to win. A player as well.
RACE 3 - WITHIN SIGHT (3) switched from a Victorian yard and did a good job winning her Maiden. Had been freshened and will be further improved. Finally draws a low barrier and can take the next step. AZONTO (4) just missed here and then was expected to win over 1220m and hit the line okay. She's looking for this distance and is feared. CAPE ZORO (6) resumed with a solid placing and has more up her sleeve. She maps okay and may go on with it this preparation. KICKPASS (2) resumes and the lightly-raced galloper has his first start on the turf. He's shown enough to keep onside at a price.
RACE 4 - Tricky. MAKE A DECISION (2) has been busting to win and will be better for the last outing. Has been briefly freshened and gets another chance. DANTES (1) resumes and has trialled well. He's good enough and has placed 2/2 second up. A bold run is on the cards. LI'L HAIL MARY (6) has been well-trialled for her return and has a handy 2kg claim. She's capable and also has claims.
RACE 5 - WHEELING (6) is a leader with a similar profile. Delivered the win first up and then missed a whisker this grade. Fitter and keeps the handy 2kg claim. GLORY MISSION (1) resumes and is promising. Brings a trial win and two-back won a Hobart maiden on debut heavily-supported. Has the rail and a bold run is likely. LIBERTY RAE (4) also resumes and has won fresh. The recent trial was good and she draws well. The betting should indicate her readiness. NEEDS SUGAR (2) is third-up and has trialled well since last seen. Has a handy 2kg claim and can't be ruled out.
RACE 6 - Competitive. JOHNNIE PINCH (3) brings strong form from the synthetic and this fellow ran his best race on the turf over a middle distance in Stakes grade. Has been kept on the fresh side and maps for the run of the race. METAVERSE (2) won this track/trip in a 76 and then didn't see out the staying trip last time at the same level. Has a handy 2kg claim today and this suits him better. He's a decent chance to bounce. TAHITIAN WARRIOR (5) won that staying contest and did it comfortably. Brought good form to that and he has claims. NOBLE EXCEPTION (7) brings a near miss this trip in a 76 quickly back to form. Will carry 53kg with the claim and also deserves consideration.
RACE 7 - ROWING POWER (2) has placed at short quotes his last two over this trip. Presents on a 7-day return and maps well. He finds the right race. THONATUS (1) resumed with a nose defeat over 1400m. He's raced well at Stakes level and the step up to the mile is ideal. Fitter and the inside gate should advantage. RALPH THE ROCKET (4) has been plain his last two but the form prior stacks up. Finally draws a low gate and Pires goes aboard replacing the 2kg apprentice. He has to be considered each way. DYNAMIC DEEL (3) just missed two back over this distance. On a quick return and he will be around the mark.
RACE 8 - BLOOMTIME (3) has threatened here twice and there was little in it last time in tougher grade when heavily bet. She draws inside again and a senior hoop replaces the apprentice. She's the one they have to beat. WINNING WITNESS (2) is a danger. She finished just ahead of the above last time and went close prior. Has a 2kg claimer aboard today. LAUNNIE NIGHTS (6) was a little plainer last time but was nudged out prior and that stacks up. Pires stays aboard. RING OF HONOUR (1) is going well enough to get some of the purse.
