Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - KLISHA (13) showed dramatic improvement last start at her third run back from a spell, coming from next to last to get up for fourth in a 1450m maiden at Muswellbrook. Races well here and like the step up in trip - ready to win. CITY GOLD READY (1) was seven-weeks between runs when an eye-catching third last time out over this distance at Gunnedah. Should settle closer from a better gate today and with that run under the belt looks a serious threat. OPEN PEARLY GATES (3) is yet to put in a bad performance in five appearances. Tried hard but was beaten half a length over this distance at Narromine last start in a race that has thrown up four subsequent winners. Sure to give a good account as usual. ALL HUNKY DORY (6) returned from a break as a gelding and started at $2.05 but found one better recently over 1400m at Tamworth. That was his first run since coming from Hong Kong. Likely improver. WING NUT (8) has gone close at his last couple in maidens. Each-way chance.
RACE 2 - KICKOFF (7) has been more competitive at her last couple of runs when ridden in front. Was under siege a fair way from home but didn't shirk the task when a close fourth over 1350m at Wyong last start. Big chance to finally break through back in a country maiden. RONNY BEE (2) last appeared when beaten under a length on debut over 1200m at Dubbo six months ago. Leading contender with a little natural improvement to come. HOO HAA (6) returns from a nine-week lay-off. Raced well last prep including a close third over a similar trip to this at Wyong. Will be better for this hit-out but cannot be overlooked. NOT MY PROBLEM (11) wound up late without threatening on debut recently over 1200m at Tamworth. In the mix over this slightly longer journey. LITTLE BUBBLES (10) is a bit hit-and-miss but ran a nice race here two back so must be respected.
RACE 3 - LAUNCH SEQUENCE (3) returned from a 37-week spell and was having his first run for the Milligan stable when a close second over this distance at Tuncurry a fortnight ago. Will need to go fast to cross from a wide draw but with even luck he looks the one to beat. QUEEN CALANTHE (6) settled back in the field and was never a contender last Monday over this distance at Kempsey. Deserves respect in the six-day back-up. RIVER BISCOTTE (7) three-year-old colt on debut. Won a trial here on 3 December. Worth consideration. BROKEN WINGS (9) can feature fresh.
RACE 4 - BELIEVE SO (3) made it four minor placings on the trot when he just failed to pick up Baglioni over this distance at Tuncurry a fortnight ago. Likes racing here and goes well for McGuren who is back aboard. Gets his chance. SONIC TYCOON (4) made a mid-race move to lead then kept going to win with a bit of arrogance in a BM66 over this distance at Gunnedah recently. Tackles a better field but drops 4.5kgs so must be respected. MONTE OUTLANDER (6) appreciated the drop in grade when a close second over 1300m at Coffs Harbour last start. Needs the mile now so despite meeting a better field he is an each-way hope at the weights. BAGLIONI (1) won a similar race to this at Tuncurry 13 days ago - definite contender.
RACE 5 - SUNNY'S GIRL (14) gets back in her races so needs a bit of luck but her final splits are impressive. Came from worse than midfield to get up for third last start over 1200m at Coffs Harbour. Placed at Doomben prior to that which is great form for a race of this calibre. The one they have to beat. AMARONE (6) defeated warm favourite Launch Sequence (Race 3 today) to narrowly take out a 1000m Tuncurry maiden recently. Has only been to the races three times so he has plenty more to offer. Last start Muswellbrook maiden winner BONDI PROPHET (7) needs luck from the draw but cannot be ruled out. TA SET NEFERU (9) resumes. Two trials in November should have her ready to run well.
RACE 6 - Lightly raced mare SOLUTIONIST (9) returned from a 13-month absence with a respectable fifth over 1000m at Hawkesbury last start. Won a Class 1 over this course and distance when second-up last prep. Only needs a bit of luck from the sticky gate to be right in the finish. CRITICAL TIME (3) went well first-up over five furlongs then struggled in a BM82 last time out over 1206m at Grafton. Draws a little better and is much more at home in this company. Likely improver. CHASERLETTE (10) finished third in a similar contest to this here two runs back then didn't finish her race off against better company at Newcastle last time. Loves Taree and can bounce back. THREETIMESALADY (6) has been in fine form this prep. Sure to be about the mark again.
RACE 7 - SHE'S A REVELATION (12) returns from a 19-week spell. The last campaign was dogged by heavy tracks and some bad luck in running. Has her share of ability and did win on debut two preps back so she should come to hand quickly. Appeals with the nice gate and 53kgs after the claim. FORBIDDEN GEMSTONE (9) added to her long list of minor placings when a game third over this trip at Tuncurry last start where she led for home. That was the first run for over seven weeks so with added fitness she is a major player. LOVE RAT (14) strung together three minor placings before failing last start in heavy conditions at Ballina. Worth another chance. ONCE A LADY (11) has been about the mark all prep without threatening, the best effort a close fourth over this distance at Port Macquarie two runs back. In the mix on that form. Last start Tamworth maiden winner LILY BOBTAIL (4) is progressing well and capable of another good run in this better company.
