Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - STAND IN LINE (4) six weeks between runs when unsuited over the 1450m to finish 11th at this track on November 30. Go on his slick victory over 2150m at Goulburn three runs back when assessing his chances. Sharp improver. FRENCH DELIVERY (7) is a 26-start maiden holding his form well and due for a change of luck. Kept finding on the line when third over 2100m at Hawkesbury on November 28. This looks much easier. EASTOWIN (6) back in trip today after holding on well to secure third over 2200m at Grafton on December 1. Has won this trip and a forward showing is likely.
RACE 2 - TEA OR COFFEE (5) resumed from a lengthy spell with a gritty third over 1200m at Tamworth on December 2. Further improved and the tongue-tie goes on from the good draw. This looks easier. NORTHERN BOOGIE (3) backs-up quickly after battling late when sixth over 1100m at Armidale on December 8. Blinkers come off and since been gelded. Genuine contender. NIKODY'S DIEGO (2) best effort for some time when sitting on the speed for a tenacious second over 1400m at Armidale on December 8. A repeat effort gives him each way claims. HIDEYO (7) is worth keeping safe fresh.
RACE 3 - WING NUT (2) has his hoof on the till at start seven after charging late for an unlucky third over 1609m at Taree on December 3. Will drift back again and prove hard to hold out with the winkers on. ROCK THE MACHINE (10) thereabouts of late and drops in weight today with Ben Looker taking the ride. Strong through the line when fourth over 1400m at Grafton on December 1. Best efforts measure up and worth another chance. HIGHLAND MIRAGE (6) nice acquisition for the Cassandra Schmidt stable after returning for a gritty third over 1308m at Taree on December 3. Look for him charging late from the draw. HARDASH (5) back in trip on the quick back-up when a battling ninth over 1400m at Armidale on December 8. Can return to form in this weaker contest.
RACE 4 - QUEEN CALANTHE (8) recent efforts have been encouraging and she finds a fairly average maiden today. Finished off okay when third over 1005m at Taree on December 3. Senior rider on and won't have to improve much to win this. TOYGER (3) due for a change of luck and the blinkers and tongue-tie come off for this. Came out fast from the wide gate when a narrow third over 1000m at Quirindi on November 14. Can win at start 18. CRAIG'S ONE (1) is a son of Super One on debut for the Milligan yard. Has been trialling well enough to play a role. CHARMED STAR (11) Knight Exemplar filly on debut for the Tom Higgins yard. Two trials have been okay so watch the betting.
RACE 5 - CATCHY TUNES (6) mare in form undefeated at this track. Well supported from the inside gate when a slick win as favourite over 1100m at Bathurst a month ago. Will go forward again and capable of testing these. Hard to stop. HEIR APPARENT (2) was a determined winner two back at this track and trip, then raced on the speed when up in class for a battling second over 1000m at Coffs Harbour. Maps well with the claim and expected to play a leading role. SHIHAB (1) resumes off decent form including a win at Taree two back. Proven fresh so can go well. SHARKIM (4) is also in the mix.
RACE 6 - SHE'S GOT TEETH (11) closed off nicely on resumption when an eye catching fifth over 1300m at Taree on November 17. Will keep improving as she gets out in trip and her lone win came at this course and distance. Hard to hold out. IMPRINTED (3) struggling of late and expecting a better effort with the 3kg claim today. Has won this course and fitter now after running fifth over 1600m at Coffs Harbour on December 5. Each way player. GIVE IT A NUDGE (10) big drop in grade when scoring two-back, before ploughing through the heavy going when a fighting third over 1450m at this track on November 30. Sure to be thereabouts. BARCELONA EXPRESS (1) is chance to back up the last-start win.
RACE 7 - DIAMONDSAREMIO (3) racing in a rich vein of form and rewarded for her consistency when a solid on-pace maiden victory over 1262m at Ballina on November 28. Bellamy rides again with the claim and she finds a fairly weak Class 1. CALIDO MAGIC (2) another who shed his maiden status last time out with the 58.5kg when a sharp winner over 1005m at Taree on December 3. Maps well again and can go on with it this time in. MR DAMAGE (1) lightly raced gelding with a respectable record. Strong through the line with the 59.5kg when a narrow second over 800m at Coffs Harbour on December 5. Visors come off and Luke Rolls keeps the ride. ALL TOO EDIE (11) could also play a role.
