Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SHALAA GOLD (1) has raced four times and found one better on each occasion, most recently over 1000m at Hawkesbury when he led until the shadow of the post. Very fit and this isn't a deep maiden so he gets his chance. OUR LITTLE STAR (7) returned from a 15-week spell with a solid third over 1000m at Kembla recently, working home well without threatening. Placed here at this trip last prep so she is certainly in the picture. MONTY THE MISSILE (2) last appeared when runner-up over 1500m at Kembla in April. Trialling in impressive fashion so a positive return looks likely. Expect a couple of first starters In FLY SCOTTY FLY (4) and CALL ME SASSY (10) to meet with support. Both have won recent barrier trials and look to be better than average.
RACE 2 - MISTERKIPCHOGE (4) has been in the betting at his last handful of starts but a win has been elusive. Ran a couple of eye-catching races in Melbourne then returned home and made up plenty of late inroads to finish third over this distance at Rosehill last time. Like him back in midweek company, and the blinkers could be the missing piece. FLEET COMMANDER (1) was edged out of third by Misterkipchoge at Rosehill two back then found 2000m a bit sharp at Kembla last start. Has 61kgs to shoulder but his class will go a long way. TAJANIS (2) was out of the money behind Fleet Commander two back over this trip at the Kensington track then was too good last time when back in distance at Canterbury. Nicely in with the claim and certainly a player. COTO DE CAZA (3) is impressing at the provincials. New to this trip and up in grade but hard to rule out from a fine stable for stayers. CALIFORNIA GRASS (5) beat the top fancies home last time so she has to be considered.
RACE 3 - Very even contest. TRAFALGAR SQUARE (7) was given a peach of a ride then hit the lead and looked home only to be grabbed on the line last start over 1200m at Newcastle. Kept fresh since that run nearly seven weeks ago. Major player down in the weights. FLIGHTCREW (3) raced handy and boxed on well but just missed the frame when resuming over 1100m at Canterbury last time out. Raced once over this distance and saluted. Very hard to hold out with Nash going on. BRAVE ONE (4) last raced when unplaced at $5.00 in the Listed Rosebud over 1100m at Rosehill in August. Promising colt worth monitoring for market support with winkers on for the first time. JAMBALAYA (1) met with heavy support first-up over 1100m at Canterbury but just failed. Handy sprinter who will take a lot from that run and should be attacking the line. FROEBEL STAR (6) first-up for Ciaron Maher is one to keep tabs on after a better-than-average maiden campaign.
RACE 4 - ZAKIYYA (3) comes here off a couple of modest efforts in Saturday grade, the latest when midfield over 1400m at Newcastle on Hunter Day. Back in her right grade today and she gives the impression that a mile will now suit. Nicely drawn and worth another chance. FLYING STEP (6) raced handy but copped a heavy check at the furlong and faded late over 1900m at Canterbury last time out. Has a fine record at the mile and looks nicely weighted after the allowance. LADY SUPERSPY (5) has been freshened up since a moderate effort over 1800m at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day. At her best over this trip and 53kgs after the claim puts her right in this. BINDING (1) failed first-up in a much stronger race at Doomben. Placed 3/5 second-up and this is her pet distance. Can improve sharply. PIONEER LASS (2) ran on well first-up at Hawkesbury and the extra furlong is right up her alley.
RACE 5 - OUR SASSY LADY (8) dropped in class and stepped up to the mile when a solid third at Kilmore last start at the second run back from a spell. Lightly raced mare who has been kept fresh since that appearance. Respect the stable decision to come north. Big chance with the light weight. PHYSICIST (5) started at $2.05 but after looking a chance in the run home could only manage third last time out over 1800m at Hawkesbury. Looks better placed back to the mile. Very fit and from the inside alley will get all the favours. AIX EN PROVENCE (4) overcame an awkward start to finish third when fresh from a 130-spell over 1550m at Canterbury recently. Genuine gelding with a 100% top-three strike rate at the distance and when second-up. Definite contender. INVESTMENT (9) has returned in good order so down on the limit she is right in the mix. The talented INVINCIBLE SPY (1) is back from a 25-week spell as a gelding and with blinkers on for the first time. Big market watch.
RACE 6 - ACCREDITED (1) was backed off the map first-up over 1100m at Canterbury and flew late but missed by a whisker after being held up for much of the straight. Nicely placed over this slightly longer trip. Gets plenty of galloping room from the wide gate and just one bend to negotiate. Perfectly placed to repay punters. New Brad Widdup acquisition GELATIN (2) returns from a six-month spell. Opened last prep with a minor placing over 1300m at this track. Well in after the claim and is sure to be primed for a big effort. UNION ARMY (3) started favourite but got back in the field and missed the frame when fresh from a 14-week break over 1250m at Canterbury recently. Goes well second-up so he can make amends. BROADWAY BOUNCER (4) resumes. Trialling impressively and is beautifully weighted after Roper's claim. Must be included. LLEWELLYN (6) is racing in great heart and has the ability to measure up in town.
