Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SOMEWHERE SOON (8) continues to leave herself with too much to do but is savaging the line late. Peaking now and finally draws a gate. Expect her to take closer order and prove very hard to hold out. SAINT BOOM (7) only warmed to her task late on debut at Murray Bridge but did close off nicely into the placings. Has kept the legs ticking over with a Strathalbyn trial placing in between runs and has a gun hoop in Nunes sticking. No reason she can't go one better. CRACKEN GOOD TIME (1) was much better at the latest when sent forward at Gawler, only to be captured late. Hopefully look to roll forward again and with a fitness edge he could prove difficult to reel in. SON OF VADAMOS (3) missed the bob at a big price last start. Drops back sharply in trip on quick turnaround and could be worth keeping safe as a value play in exotics.
RACE 2 - Small but competitive contest. CHOSEN MISS (4) is on the quick back-up after chasing soundly into a midfield finish over a similar trip four days ago. Will enjoy the drop in grade and is a track and trip winner. The one to beat on best form. COURS VITE (1) was a barnstorming winner two back and then followed it up with a strong run home in town last start. Carries more weight but is up to the task. SAVATOFF (5) doesn't win out of turn but continues to knock on the door. Toeroek sticking is a positive and is among the key chances. GOT AN INSPIRATION (3) was much better last start at Murray Bridge when making light work of his rivals over 2500m. Drops back in trip but is 1/1 over this journey. Is certainly one to consider. ESKY (2) was a handy winner in this grade fresh but failed to follow it up last start. Willing to forgive third-up.
RACE 3 - DAISYDOO (4) settled too far back on debut here but finished full of running. Improvement to come second-up. Can give this a big shake. COSMIC RIDE (3) improved nicely second-up at Murray Bridge when chasing solidly into the placings. Has more up her sleeve third-up and has Nunes sticking from a good draw. Right in the mix. NOW EAST (1) is a Tosen Stardom gelding on debut for Garret Lynch. Showed promising signs in a recent Strathalbyn trial and is drawn favourably. In the mix. PURFECT LINE (2) returns. Didn't make an impact on debut but is from a sharp stable and gets a key jockey booking in Toeroek. Respect market support.
RACE 4 - HIGH GARDEN (7) was denied narrowly from resuming a winner at Gawler last month. Has been kept fresh for this with four weeks between runs and she should appreciate the rise in trip. Holder piloting from the inside alley reads favourably. Ready to go one better. GOLD SPY (2) finds the maiden win elusive but continues to savage the line. Likely to drift back again from the draw but is sure to be charging late. GURU WARRIOR (5) left himself with far too much to do on debut at Strathalbyn but did lengthen nicely to the line late. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and is another to watch for coming home hard. TENNESSEE MAGGIE (9) was only sound to the line fresh but is another likely improver.
RACE 5 - ROYAL TRAPEZE (1) picked up in great style here last start to just miss the winner over this journey. Can build off that and is a leading chance. TEQUILA SUNSET (6) wasn't far away here fresh after a year off but was left flat-footed second-up when heavily supported. Can bounce back sharply third-up and is drawn to advantage. Bold showing anticipated. CUBAN WATERS (4) made some inroads fresh in town and then found the placings last start when sent forward. Draws a gate this time and should be nearing her peak now third-up. SHISUTA BO (3) is yet to strike through this campaign but gets a key booking in hot-hand hoop in Pannell. Keeping safe.
RACE 6 - DEVIL'S DEXTER (6) progressed nicely second-up when charging home strongly from the rear to just miss the minors here. Hitting her straps now third-up and will relish the extra 200m and the inside alley can have her settling closer. Leading chance. PRANCING COUNTESS (7) made light work of her rivals two back at Gawler in this grade and then went close to repeating the dose here last start. Drawn sticky but is ticking along nicely and has Nunes sticking. Main danger. BYWATERS ROAD (1) showed a nice turn of foot to get the verdict at Naracoorte two back. Followed it up with another strong effort here last start when just missing the frame in a blanket finish. ARCHDEACON (9) will drift back early and be charging late.
RACE 7 - DERBY DOWNS (2) has caught the eye in both runs back to kick off the campaign. Should be hitting his straps now third-up and will prove very tough to hold out if they can utilise the low draw. Is already a track and trip winner that is expected to take plenty of stitching. BANGERANG REDBACK (1) was a dominant winner three back at Penola but hasn't quite been able to go on with it since. Strikes an easier assignment this time and strips rock-hard fit with Crowther piloting. Main danger. THE LADIES MAN (8) showed good tactical speed here last start when leading them up, only to be captured late. Has enough pace to offset the wide alley and can give another bold sight. HASSLEFREE (6) will appreciate the anticipated hot early tempo. Expect him to drift back from the draw and be saved for the final shot at them.
