Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ART SESSION (1) won two trials before placing as favourite at Belmont on debut. He was expected to win here following but got too far back (vet cleared). Has the rails gate today and fitter can make amends. LIVE LUCKY (7) resumes and has shown enough in town to consider. Brings two solid trials and she will be naturally improved. DIXIE PRINCESS (4) had been going well here before a flat run last time. The speedy mare finally draws a low barrier. DISCUSS (5) found a place here first up and will be better for it. In the mix.
RACE 2 - CRYSTAL ROSE (6) has been plain in her last two but the form prior reads well. She's been freshened and has won a trial here since last seen. Has a wide gate but with average luck can get back on track. BLACK SANDS (1) did a good job beaten 1.2L here but disappointed following over a mile. He may sit closer today and has claims. BIG BONED BAZ (2) mixes the form he's capable and is in the mix. IL BELLO BEALS (4) raced well two back and will push forward. He will be around the mark.
RACE 3 - SPECIAL PLAN (3) resumes further improved narrowly beaten over 1400m and then led winning a Maiden comfortably as expected. Fitter again and can use the rails gate. He rates to take the next step. DESERT EDGE (2) resumes for a leading metro stable and rates well. He will be at his best over longer trips but has been fitted with two trials and Faithfull's booking suggests he's pleasing. MAXIMUM IMPACT (4) has won and placed his last two here and retains a 2kg claim. He races forward and will give a sight. WHO BE WHATEE (5) has been around the mark and finally draws an inside barrier. He will be around the mark.
RACE 4 - STRIKING FELLA (5) resumed in stronger at Pinjarra and needed outing. He has plenty up the sleeve and Faithfull is a key jockey booking. Proven second-up and well-placed. THE RUSH (3) went close in a CL2 before delivering this grade/trip. She maps well and can go on with the job. DESIGNATED DRINKER (1) resumes and flies at the track. He will race over further but has won here over this trip and first up. Draws out but has trialled well. MIFF MUFFERED MOOF (10) brings strong form but has to come back 487m in trip It's an ask on an 8-day return but she has good ability.
RACE 5 - SURE NO SOMETHING (5) was quickly back in the winner's circle winning a 60 at Ascot as favourite. Has an outstanding record at this track and can be winning with average luck. STARRING KNIGHT (6) resumed at Ascot and needed the outing. Brought strong relative form to that and has won 2/4 second-up. In a leading barn and rates to threaten. PRINCE RAGNAR (3) led and won a 70 here by a space. He will be fitter again and keeps the 2kg claim. Maps well and is a player. SAFE HUSTLE (7) placed second behind the above and has a handier gate today. He's in the mix.
RACE 6 - SURF PATROL (7) is another strong winning hope for the Pearce yard. Won a Maiden as a short-priced favourite at Albany and can go on with the job. Faithfull sticks aboard. IDENTIFIER (5) is third up and ready to show more like her best. Has the first-time blinkers applied and the longer sprint suits. SOARING SOLO (11) was plainer at Albany but was nudged out at Narrogin prior. That stacks up but she draws an outside barrier and will need a good ride from the 2kg claimer. I'M ON (2) is an improver who will get every chance from an inside barrier.
RACE 7 - OREGON HIKER (1) was quickly back on track beaten a nose at Northam in a CL5 and wasn't too far away at Bunbury following in the same grade. He maps well and is suited in a 58. Has an in-form hoop engaged and will take plenty of beating. JUSTHANDY (9) won here this grade but has been plain the two since. He's been freshened and Faithfull in a positive jockey switch. A much better effort is likely. ENTICING (5) resumes for a new barn and has been racing in stronger provincial and metro company. Usually needs a run or two but he has plenty of ability and may be presented more forward this time around. FIRST CONTACT (8) resumes and goes well at this track/trip. She's also worth a betting watch.