Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BLACKLIST (2) finds his race today fifth up on the quick back up. Sat on the fast tempo before tiring late when third over 1600m here on November 7. Has a fitness edge over most of these and brings superior figures. STING IN THE TAIL (4) five start maiden resuming for her third prep. Fitted with two soft trials and look for her doing her best work late. AL FLORES (5) at her top for this after covering ground in the run when a gritty third over 1500m here on October 24. Will hold a forward position from the good gate and figure prominently. GWENDIE (3) progressive mare resuming from a five-and-a-half month break. Showed ability in all three career runs last time in and not asked to do much when fifth in a recent 1000m trial at Hawkesbury on October 28.
RACE 2 - MAHOGANY GIRL (3) trained on the track and made a mess of her rivals when shedding her maiden status at start four over 1300m here on October 24. Well drawn again and capable of making it two on the trot. C'MON MATE (1) holding form well in stronger company and maps to get the right run. Gave his all with the 59kg when a fighting third over 1600m at this track on October 24. Nose roll comes off and he looks one of the leading prospects. SUSPECT (4) much better performance from the low draw when holding on well to secure fourth over 1400m at Kembla Grange on November 5. Placed this track and expected to play a leading role. BENAMERA (8) fitter after two runs back and indicated a win was imminent when a narrow third over 1300m at Newcastle on November 2. Looking for this trip now and can take a hand in the finish.
RACE 3 - PHYSICIST (1) progressive gelding who raced without luck in stronger company last time in. Fitter after two runs back and liked the way he attacked the line late when a narrow fourth over 1630m at Wyong in BM64 grade on October 31. Blinkers again and the fast tempo suits. IRISH ANTHEM (4) trained on the track and back in trip today after wilting late when fifth over 2000m at Kembla Grange on November 5. Just under three weeks between runs last time out and strips fitter now. DEVILS DAUGHTER (7) is a five-start maiden who gets in light with the 2kg claim from the low gate. Drifted back last time out when a disappointing seventh over 1600m at Kembla Grange on October 26. Will relish the step up in trip. Keep safe. THINK ROMANCE (9) finished third in five of her seven starts and hard fit now fourth up. No match for the handy Maximum Dividend when fourth over 1630m at Wyong on October 31. Placed this course two back and proven at this trip.
RACE 4 - STAR OF PARIS (14) well bred filly expected to go one better today after finishing a nose second on debut over 1200m at Newcastle on October 19. Returned good figures on that occasion and she has the ability to overcome the sticky gate. PESCHIERA (11) finished behind some promising types of late and due for a change of luck. Jumped up to the mile when a plugging fourth over 1600m at Warwick Farm on October 7. Since fitted with a recent 900m trial and shouldn't be a maiden for long. NICCONORI (1) strengthened over the break and strong through the line first up when fourth over 1200m at Kembla Grange on October 26. Drawn out again and watch for him closing off strongly. AFLOAT (3) three-year-old gelding by Astern from the good producer Segue from the James Cummings yard. Fitted with the two trials and the blinkers and tongue-tie go on. Stays in the mix.
RACE 5 - MAGIC SHADOW (7) had genuine excuses at his last two outings after drawing poorly. Snagged back from the outside gate when a plugging eighth over 1200m at Kembla Grange on October 26. Well drawn today and has the figures to take this out. BINDI'S CHOICE (5) set to peak fourth up in this easier contest. Struggled to see the 1500m out when fifth at this track on October 17. Will drift back from the gate and appreciate the good tempo. MISS STALWART (11) racing in career best form and drops sharply in weight after launching late when a 0.5 len winner over 1300m at Canberra last time out. Up in grade and not to be underestimated. HAPPY SATURDAY (3) resumes after a break of five months with an okay fresh record. Well drawn and fitted with the two trials. Keep safe.
RACE 6 - APEX (2) well bred Exceedance gelding who resumes for his second prep. Showed good speed on debut when a fighting third over 1100m at Warwick Farm on May 22. Fitted with two sharp trials and gelded over the break. Expected to go close. APOLLO RIDGE (7) improving with racing and a win looks imminent. Went out fast and found wanting late when third over 1000m at this track on October 24. Has fitness on his side and will prove hard to stop. THE GREY (1) trained on the track and resumes from a four month break. Raced handy before failing to finish off in the slow conditions when sixth over 1200m at Canterbury on July 24. Has two solid trials under his belt and gets his chance from the inside gate. EDITING (10) three-year-old filly by Written Tycoon out of Talented on debut for the Maher yard. Fitted with four trials and sure to be well educated. Can play a leading role.
RACE 7 - ALICIA ROMA (2) classy mare who strips fitter for this third up and gets the blinkers added today. Anchored with the 60.5kg when fading late to finish seventh behind Pisanello over 1000m at Warwick Farm on October 23. Will appreciate the 3kg claim from the good draw. Hard to stop. STRAAND BEAUTY (6) improving colt rewarded for his consistency when a slick on pace winner over 1000m at Wyong on October 31. Josh Parr sticks and he looks up to this stronger assignment. DARK GLITTER (9) undefeated over this trip and attacked the line with plenty of purpose first up when a nose second over 900m at Newcastle on November 2. Genuine each way contender. LEAVE ME SOME (8) tough old mare retaining her zest for racing. Had no luck from the wide draw with the 60kg when fifth over 1100m at Scone on October 25. Can add value to the exotics.
