Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - Tricky race to assess with a handful of first starters engaged. TIZ WORTHY (6) looks best of the raced bunch. Fought on gamely into the placings on debut at Bendigo when sent around public elect. Is sure to have come on with that run under her belt and gets the booking of Nunes. Main danger. NORSE WARRIOR (3) is a Royal Meeting colt on debut for Phillip Stokes. Was punched out to win a lead-up Pakenham jump out, so should be forward enough and is drawn favourably. Can't overlook. THE HIGHLANDER (5) is another debutant that has shown positive signs in her lead-up work and deserves respect, especially if the late money agrees. Fellow debutant OLDPOP (4) next best.
RACE 2 - NOVELA (5) is a Valentia gelding stepping out on debut for the red-hot Michael Hickmott stable. Has shown good ability at the trials, Pannell partnering in both. Can make an immediate impact. ZENACITY (11) returns. Left herself with too much to do in each of her first three starts but savaged the line in all. Nunes for Ryan excites. IN THAT MODE (4) has been freshened with a 42-day break after a flat debut showing. Trialled well in between. Keeping safe. STOLEN (10) might be one to do better now. Back to the trials after a non-threatening debut but well connected.
RACE 3 - WALK LIKE AN ANGEL (2) certainly hasn't launched in this campaign but was much better here second-up when filling the frame over this journey. Strips fitter and has superior best figures. Draws to get the gun run from the inside alley and is aided at the weights with skillful 3kg claiming apprentice in Johnstone engaged. Bold showing anticipated. SCHRODER'S MISTAKE (1) has hit the ground full of running in his debut prep. Was a dominant winner fresh and has found two above average types here in his last two. Is sure to hunt forward again and will take plenty of catching again. HARD PRINCE (4) returns and finds a nice kick-off point. The form around him last campaign stacks up well and a recent Strathalbyn trial win should have him forward enough. Toeroek for the Jollys is always dangerous. Smaller cases can be made for the resuming pair of BRAVEMAN'SGAME (3) and DIAMONDS CHOICE (6).
RACE 4 - PURE BLISS (6) was a smart winner fresh at headquarters when scoring with a bit up her sleeve. Nowhere near as effective last start at Moonee Valley but did pull up with excuses. Will be nearing her peak now and is expected to bounce back sharply. MY RUBY (3) returns and is a two-time winner fresh. Is a distance specialist and gets key booking in hot-hand hoop in Nunes. Can make a bright return. ROCKSTAR MEGGSY (1) has savaged the line in all three runs back. Query with her dropping back in trip fourth-up and the inside alley could put her in a very tricky spot but she has to be taken seriously. MISLUDI (8) arrived just in time to score a deserved success here last month. Drops back in trip four weeks between runs and is another to look out for charging late. Lightly raced five-year-old JAZZ AFFAIR (4) returns and warrants a market watch. Late support needs to be respected.
RACE 5 - ARUGAMAMA (2) hasn't broken through for nearly a year but continues to knock on the door. Stays all day this Churchill mare out of a Kurofune dam, just need to push the button on her earlier and she'll prove too strong. YURI ROYALE (1) scored himself a deserved win here last week when back in trip. Yet to be tested over this journey but the Jolly crew are a smart bunch, so no doubting. Can repeat the dose. SENTIMENTAL FLAME (7) doesn't win out of turn but is another that has been finishing thereabouts. Strips rock-hard fit and gets in low at the weights. Holds claims. MONTEPULCIANO (5) continues to leave himself with too much to do in the lane. Will prove tough to hold out if they take closer order.
RACE 6 - Tricky race. Siding with the resuming ANOTHERHOUSE (9) for the red-hot Hickmott stable. They've tried him over longer trips but he looks more of a sprinting type. Hasn't been sighted at public trials but a push comes with Pannell piloting. Expect her to settle back early before letting rip in the lane. BRISTLER (4) never got going last prep, despite attracting solid market support throughout. Has his fair share of speed and should look to lead them up. His best figures will run them off their feet. OLD TIME ROCK (2) tends to mix his form but the best version of him is right up to this. Draws to get the soft run and is aided under the big weight with the 3kg claimer engaged. HOWL (1) was a barnstorming winner two weeks ago at headquarters. Doesn't have the best tactics but could burst through again if they overdo it up front. Suspect he will need some luck from the inside alley and lack of early dash. COOL MAGNUM (6) is as tough as old boots. Don't leave out of exotics.
RACE 7 - JENKINS (5) put it all together last start and showed what ability he possesses on his day. Carries more weight with the drop in grade but a repeat effort will have them managed. RIVERPLATE (1) is going better than the form reads and continues to hit the line hard. Pannell sticking is a good push, just need to get him going earlier. VAN ROY (6) is another speedy type that will be looking to give himself every chance out in front. Proved too sharp for them last start at the Valley, don't be shocked to see him do it again. MARCOLT (8) has returned in solid order this prep but this is his toughest test. Will appreciate a hot early tempo and can be climbing over their backs late. FLEURIEU FLIPPER (9) will be the biggest beneficiary if they go too quick early. He'll settle back early and be saved for the final shot at them.
RACE 8 - KINETIC JEWEL (6) hasn't been able to strike through yet this campaign but is threatening. Strips rock-hard fit and gets in low at the weights with the 3kg claimer engaged. Interesting to note the application of blinkers first time. Can prove the winning move. SUPER ALANA (3) has returned in superb form, unlucky not to make it two on the bounce at the latest. Expect her to hunt forward from the wide alley and give a sight. STAR SIRIUS (2) took his time fresh but arrived to score with a bit up his sleeve. Will settle back early again and hope they overdo it early. SPIRIT BEAST (1) returns and makes his stable debut for the Clarken & O'Shea team after nearly a year off. Looks to have his share of ability but just keeping safe in exotics. One to keep in mind later. MISS REMSKI (7) next best.
RACE 9 - SIXTEEN REASONS (5) is a talented type on her day but is often her own worst enemy in the early stages of a race. Possesses a lethal turn of foot and with even luck in the lane she will take some stopping. BELLINGER (4) returned with a bang at Caulfield when a barnstorming winner over 1100m. Relishes this trip and has good record at this venue. Main danger. JACKS ON ICE (3) didn't give his rivals a sniff here two back when leading pillar-to-post. Mixing his form but a repeat effort will take him very close. The resuming NEODIUM (8) looks best of the rest.
RACE 10 - DELIGHTFUL SHECKY (1) is yet to strike through this prep but is knocking on the door. Will appreciate the drop in grade for his fourth-up assignment and reunites with hot-hand hoop Pannell from a gun draw. A lot to like. SEEKING STARDOM (9) was a barnstorming winner fresh. Couldn't quite repeat the dose last start but did make inroads. Will be hitting her straps now third-up and is the one to watch for late. CARARADA (8) has turned the page this campaign and is ticking along nicely. Draw well and is down in the weights again. Going too well to ignore. SURPRISE COMING (2) is another that is threatening. Has a wide alley to overcome but is right in the mix with even luck. Last-star winner MERCHANT BOSS (5) also has to be included among the main hopes.
