Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MISS ROMAIN (7) settled midfield on resumption when attacking the line late for a narrow second over 1400m at Scone on October 25. Will relish this easier contest and the 1600m. Goes close. OAKFIELD PEEWEE (4) fifth up today and a win looks imminent. Speared across from the outside draw to sit on the pace for a fighting second over 1600m at Wyong on November 9. Backs up quickly and expected to go close. CATS QUARTERS (6) 21 start maiden due for a change of luck. Rattled late from the wide gate when a close up fifth over 1509m at Port Macquarie on October 27. Finally drawn a low gate and trained on the track. Last-start placegetter QUICK BUCK (5) is an exotic player.
RACE 2 - LILY BOBTAIL (5) knocked up late on resumption when sitting on the speed from the wide gate to finish sixth over 1000m at Muswellbrook on November 5. This looks easier and has placed second up. SHOT DOWN BY LOVE (9) resumed for her second prep with a fighting third at Coffs Harbour over 810m after being in the firing line on the bend. Steps up a level but she is good enough to make a big impact. ARCHAIC FORCE (3) three-year-old gelding by Cosmic Force out of Bramble Rose on debut for the Todd Howlett yard. Fitted with two strong trials and looks good enough to play a leading role. AMARONE (2) locally trained galloper resuming. Never comfortable in the heavy (8) going when ninth over 1020m at Grafton on July 7. Looks ready for this after finishing second in a recent 1000m trial at Kempsey. Improver.
RACE 3 - SELFLESS VALOUR (7) won over this trip three back and expected to go close again. Stalked the good tempo when a narrow second over 1260m at Ballina on November 4. In leading yard and she looks one of the hardest to hold out. SHE'S GOT TEETH (14) placed this track last time in and returns from a four-month spell. Figured in the money fresh before and not asked to do much in two trials. Handles all conditions and expected to sprint well fresh. MURWOOD WOLF (8) big improver second up when a fast finishing third over 1012m at Coffs Harbour on November 2. Strips fitter now and looking for the extra ground. Each way. TIGON PRINCESS (4) showed good form last time in and can go well fresh.
RACE 4 - ALLIRI (8) solid debut when a gritty nose second over 1200m at Scone on October 25. Further improved now and just needs luck from the sticky gate. SHEILA'S FANTA SEA (7) lightly raced mare with ability due for a change of luck. Much better performance second up when hitting the line strongly for a narrow second over 1280m at Muswellbrook on November 5. Trained on the track and has the ability to overcome the wide gate. SIZZLING BOY (15) drops sharply in weight after being anchored with the 59kg when fourth over 1280m at Muswellbrook on November 3. Can hold a forward position and give a ton of cheek. RUBI'S SERVE (1) can progress off the fresh placing.
RACE 5 - TANGLEWOOD JIMMY (2) promising locally trained gelding who will relish the drop in grade. Drifted back from the wide draw when a slashing long neck fourth in Highway company at Randwick over 1600m last time out. Ready to win again from the good gate. Goes close. YAREAKH (5) trained on the track and will find this more to his liking after plugging home late when eighth at Rosehill in Highway grade on November 2. Placed this track and trip and looks well in with the claim from the good gate. CHEEKY NUGGET (9) tough gelding retaining his zest for racing. Not that far away again when third over 1750m at Muswellbrook on November 5. Drops in weight with the 3kg claim and has solid top four prospects. CASINO BEAR (6) is racing well and can feature again.
RACE 6 - BOB'S LAST ONE (5) lightly raced gelding with a stack of upside resuming. Trained on the track and will find this more to his liking after failing to handle the heavy (9) going when 13th in Highway company at Randwick last June. Returns without a trial but has excellent fresh figures. VEECEE (1) second run for new stable put the writing on the wall when a gritty second over 1006m at Port Macquarie on October 27. Drops in weight and he looks one of the leading players again. PRINCESS VITTORIA (8) two runs back on the provincial circuit have been below par and expecting more in this easier contest. Gets a nice weight drop and has the class to produce a better result. BARE TO WITNESS (3) has the three wins from 14 starts and resumes with an okay fresh record. Outclassed in Midway grade last time out and since fitted with a recent 900m trial at Scone. Best form is good enough to see him take a hand in the finish.
RACE 7 - MOSGIEL DAISY (10) can return to winning form today after drifting back from the awkward gate when 11th over 1200m at Rosehill in Highway class on November 9. Backs up quickly and saves his best for this track and trip. VOIGNER (6) first-up after six months won by a head at Quirindi over 1100m on October 28. Goes just as well second up and has the upside to take on this stronger field. CHASERLETTE (13) both wins have come on her home track and fitter after two runs back. Back in class after whacking away late when seventh over 1100m at Grafton on November 6. Can sneak into the minor money. RIVER PAT (12) is race fit now and can play a role.
