Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - LIGHTLY SPARKLED (10) returned for her second prep when closing off strongly for a game fourth over 1000m at Kembla Grange on November 16. Strips fitter now and goes close here. BENT AS HELL (2) consistent mare who went under narrowly on resumption when a head second over 1000m at Quirindi on November 14. Placed here last time in and should hold a forward position again. RIVANA (3) has fitness on her side third-up and ran a much better race when second over 1000m at Quirindi on November 14. Maps well again and finds a fairly weak maiden. IVY'S WAY (9) returns from a lengthy break after disappointing when sixth over 900m at this track on April 24. Fitted with the one good trial and the glue-on shoes go on.
RACE 2 - LUSKAIRE (4) was doing his best work late first up when fifth over 1200m at Kembla Grange on November 16. Desperate for this trip and further and will appreciate Fitzgerald's claim again. CHILLY CHARLIE (2) fourth-up for this and his lone win came over this trip. Shuffled back from the low draw when a plugging fifth over 1500m at Kembla Grange on November 16. Blinkers and cross-over nose band go on. Worth another chance. SANCTUARY STORM (6) found a weak maiden to kick off when a solid debut winner over 1300m at Bathurst on November 16. Looks to have upside and will take holding out in this stronger contest.
RACE 3 - KOTAISHI (1) big drop in grade today and has his hoof on the till fourth-up. Taken to the front and nailed late when a neck second over 1550m at Canterbury on November 15. Cross-over nose band goes on and no excuses from the low draw. EXISTENTIAL BOB (17) hit the line with plenty of intent on resumption when a game third over 1500m at Kembla Grange on November 16. Should have come on further since and will be attacking the line late. BLEND OF THREE (2) resumed in good order over 1300m here and looks to be crying out for more ground. He seemed to handle the soft conditions here last start and the 3kg claim comes in handy. Comes into this on the fresh side and can feature. LULO LINK (19) disappointed at Hawkesbury last start where she was a $6 chance following a good effort on resumption. Out in trip now can suit and she can bounce back.
RACE 4 - BETTER BREAKOUT (3) bumped into the smart Candlewick when returning for his second prep with an even fourth over 1200m at Wyong on November 9. Sure, to have trained on since and better suited on the roomier Newcastle track. CALIFORNIA WAVES (4) well-bred Too Darn Hot gelding resuming for his second prep. Not far away on debut when fourth over 1300m at Kembla on July 18. Since fitted with the two trials and the blinkers come off. Forward showing expected. HYPERBOLIC (11) drops in weight with the claim and will find this easier after returning with a battling seventh over 1100m at Canterbury on November 15. One of the leading players.
RACE 5 - BURJ (10) three-year-old filly by Pride Of Dubai out of Samantha on debut for the Snowden stable. Has impressed in all three trials and will prove hard to stop with the 3kg claim from the good gate. APOLLO RIDGE (3) hard fit now and stretches out in trip when a plugging third over 1100m at Hawkesbury on November 12. Maps well again and ticks plenty of boxes with Lloyd in the saddle. Should get his chance and can land the knockout blow. ROCKBARTON FLASH (7) was solid on debut at Scone and comes to his home track now. Can put his best foot forward.
RACE 6 - ZOUPRINCE (5) two runs back have been sound and racing like the 1400m will suit. Anchored with the 59.5kg when a tiring fifth over 1200m at Wyong on October 31. Claim helps and sure to go close. AWESOME TYCOON (2) consistent gelding racing in a rich vein of form. Gave his all with the 59.5kg when second over 1400m at Scone in Cl3 class on November 11. Hard fit and will prove hard to run down. CROP DUSTER (3) goes well this course and distance and will find this more to his liking. Chipped away late when fifth over 1300m at Rosehill in BM72 class on November 13. Will be motoring late out wide. COELLA (14) is looking for a hat-trick of wins following a 2L victory at Muswellbrook last time out. This is tougher but she's trending the right way and can measure up.
RACE 7 - LOUNERSE (3) back in grade after having no luck from the wide gate second-up when eighth over 1100m at Scone in BM74 class on November 11. Gets in light with the claim and saves his best for this track and trip. Can return to winning form. HELLAINE (7) had mixed luck in four runs back and kept fresh for this with the tongue-tie going on. Never comfortable on the Wyong track last time out when a close-up fifth on October 31. Best figures measure up nicely. SCISSOR ME TIMBERS (4) heavily supported on resumption when making ground late to finish fourth over 1200m at Kembla Grange on November 16. Well drawn for this and further improved. Leading contender. SENSHI (8) ready for the extra trip after two runs back and can race closer to the speed from the good draw. Good enough to surprise at odds. MISS CARTEL (2) speedy mare resuming after a break of four-and-a-half months. Fitted with the one soft trial and market moves must be monitored.
RACE 8 - SUBARCTIC (4) comes up from Victoria with two solid runs this time in. Looking for the 1800m now after charging late to finish second over 1600m at Bendigo on November 13. Well drawn and has placed this track. Goes close. BESTOWER (1) set to peak on her home track after looming strongly when second over 1800m at Rosehill in BM72 class on November 13. Maps to race a little closer and looks one of the main dangers. SEETHING SEB (6) racing in a rich vein of form this time in and was a total forgive from the draw when sixth over 1900m at Canterbury on November 20. Well placed with the 3kg claim and has solid top three claims. OVERICE (8) has needed the two runs back and looking for this trip now. Drops in weight and has been well supported in early betting.
