Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - This has the feel of a provincial maiden. THE BEAST (11) raced handy and was strong late when runner-up over 1600m at Hawkesbury last start. Races as though this trip won't be a bother so he looks a great chance to open the account. The danger is SPACE ACE (3) who ran second for the third time in as many starts when he led but was cut down late over 1750m in a Muswellbrook Class 1 17 days ago. Likely to dictate terms and with Clark to steer he might just get away with it. THAT'S OUTSTANDING (10) passed a few in the straight but was never a chance last time out over 2000m at Kembla. Rock-hard fit and back in maiden company so he is right in contention. TASTULA (4) improved sharply last start at the third run of the campaign, finishing second in the same race as That's Outstanding at Kembla. Lightly raced four-year-old with improvement to come. DEVILS DAUGHTER (6) impressed at Hawkesbury eight days ago and isn't out of the contest.
RACE 2 - RAIKKONEN (7) led and gave a kick but found one better late in the piece when lining up for the first time at Kembla over this trip 15 days ago. Finds a modest city-class maiden today and with a little natural improvement can take this out. TASORAAY (9) raced handy and tried hard but had to settle for second when resuming over this distance at Doomben last start. Big chance to go one better for the in-form Lees stable with blinkers going on. Promising mare DIVINE ELLA (12) drove hard late and was beaten under a length when fresh from a spell over 1300m at Warwick Farm last time out. Back in distance but is one to watch for in the dying stages. OH DIAMOND LIL (13) returns for a second campaign. Showed promise last prep and a big trial win at Rosehill recently suggests she is back in better shape. RECRUITER (18) was safely held first-up at Kembla but can improve out to this more suitable journey.
RACE 3 - The sparingly raced mare JOYNER (10) continued her fine form last start when a very close third over 1100m at Hawkesbury. Enjoys a perfect run out of the inside gate and an extra 100m comes at the right time of the prep. RINGAROSA (1) never looked a chance last time out over this trip at Rosehill when second-up. Down significantly in class, draws a better gate, and gets blinkers on for the first time so a swift turnaround in form is on the cards. SMILING PROPHET (5) wound up late to grab third at her latest run over 1100m at Wyong. Cherry-ripe and needs this distance now. UP TO MISCHIEF (3) returns from a 28-week spell. Opened last prep with a couple of wins before failing at Caulfield and being turned out. Expect her to be ready for this after two recent trials. DECEIVE (6) resumes. Struggled last prep on wet ground so see how the track plays before diving in.
RACE 4 - COPACABANA (4) made a mid-race move to sit on the pace then dug deep to hold second last time out over 1600m at Warwick Farm. Fit gelding who gets the blinkers back on today. Sure to give backers a great sight. MISS KIM KAR (10) has recorded a couple of effortless wins in Nowra against far inferior opposition. Big ask today but she is lightly raced and on the limit so cannot be underestimated. GALANO (1) bolted in at Muswellbrook recently under a huge weight. Metro winner in Melbourne last prep so he is up to this. INVESTMENT (7) won first-up at Wyong and should hold the good form. AIX EN PROVENCE (2) has been in the money at both previous first-up runs so keep him in mind upon his return from a 130-day spell.
RACE 5 - MAXIMUM DIVIDEND (5) belted a maiden field over the mile at Wyong when resuming from a six-month spell last start. Promising three-year-old who will take a lot from that run and should excel over this longer trip. KNIGHTS ARMOUR (1) appreciated a small drop in class when a comfortable winner over 2100m at Hawkesbury last time out. Raced twice at this distance and won them both. Has his share of weight but will give a good account. BETTER EXPLAIN (7) relished the step up in distance last start when beaten narrowly in a BM74 over today's journey at Kempsey 12 days ago. Nice each-way chance with just 55kgs after the allowance. FLYING STEP (10) is ready to find her best form after a strong effort to finish runner-up recently over this distance at Newcastle. KIRIKAN (4) should be peaking at the fourth run back from a spell.
RACE 6 - TARTAGLIA (6) did a bit wrong and met with interference when beaten under three lengths over 1300m at Randwick last start. Better placed back to this trip. Drawn to enjoy a soft run just off the speed in the small field and will prove tough to hold out. MIDNIGHT DYNAMITE (8) impressed first-up at Nowra where he led from the outset and never looked in doubt, justifying the $1.35 quote. Lightly raced three-year-old who should control things in front and will be hard to peg back. JAMBALAYA (3) is back from a 24-week spell. Only raced once last prep, an eye-catching third behind Fleetwood over 1000m at Randwick. Gets a map to suit in the small field - should be close enough to make a strong late claim. RED HOT LIZZIE (9) returns from a four-month break. Last raced when fresh from nearly a year off the scene and was successful over 1200m here. Promising mare with definite claims. CES SOIREES LA (13) or KIRIBATI (1) can win without surprising in a tricky little race.
RACE 7 - YISKA (2) has not appeared since he easily won a Midway over this distance at Rosehill in June. Wasn't far away in a recent Randwick trial and looks all set for a strong return. SHINES (3) battled on fairly to be beaten under two lengths by the airborne Spanish Fox last time out over 1300m at Rosehill. Down in grade today and better placed back to this journey. Should play a significant role. ZARAGOZA (8) drove hard late to just arrive in time at his latest outing over 1000m at Kembla. Looks like the extra 100m is required now. Good each-way hope with the help of a favourable draw. ACCREDITED (4) resumes. Opened last prep with a placing behind the handy Fleetwood at Warwick Farm so don't rule him out. IRON WILL (1) has won 2/2 this prep on the country circuit. Has his share of weight but defeated a smart field at Wagga last time - cannot be underestimated.
