Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - BETTA BEING SINGLE (2) is a Better Than Ready filly for Waterhouse/Bott. Both her trials have been handy, the latest on 9 October over 795m at Warwick Farm when beaten under a length. Sure to be ready to run a big race. GAI'S ARTIST (3) is the most interesting runner, a full-sister to four-time Group 1 winning sprinter Trapeze Artist. Won a recent Hawkesbury trial for the Ryan/Alexiou yard so looks to have inherited some of her brother's talent. ASTERIDE (1) for Robert and Luke Price defeated stablemate PETAWAWA (5) by a whisker when they trialled at Kembla on 13 October. The stable is firing so respect any positive market moves for either of these fillies. HELL'S VIXEN (4) is a Hellbent filly from the Marc Connors stable. Finished 1.5 lengths behind Gai's Artist when they trialled at Hawkesbury. Minor claims only.
RACE 2 - TAIPAN LEGEND (5) started favourite and was a bit green which was costly on debut last start over 1200m at Kembla. Capable of sharp improvement with that first run under his belt. STAND ASIDE (4) began awkwardly and didn't recover first-up a fortnight ago over 1200m at Warwick Farm. Placed second-up last prep over today's trip at Rosehill in Saturday grade so he is certainly up to this. PAJANTI (10) had every chance but didn't quite finish it off last start at the Farm over 1200m. Lightly raced and can improve. VANQUISHED (6) and SLY BOOTS (3) both resume for Waterhouse/Bott following gelding operations. Watch the betting closely.
RACE 3 - All the leading chances contested a Bm72 over 2400m at Warwick Farm a fortnight ago. GOLDEN PASSPORT (7) drew wide and couldn't lead but worked to the front on straightening only to be ambushed close to home. Clark can probably dictate this time from gate three and he is going to be very tough to reel in. CHATEAUX PARK (2) started favourite but was ridden cold by McDonald and couldn't pick up the leading division, winding up in fifth but only 1.1 off the winner. Will sit closer from the inside gate in the small field so worth another chance. CLASSIC DEEL (8) was eased out of that race after started at $8 on the back of some strong lead-up form. Meets a few of them worse at the weights but her best figures stack right up. KARMAZONE (6) came wide and stormed home to just miss at big odds in the eye-catcher of that key form race. Blinkers go on and the small field suits. CASUAL CONNECTION (1) made it two wins from four at this trip when he won at the Farm. Must be respected.
RACE 4 - Consistent mare SWEET BABY BOOM (1) led all the way to win two in a row over shorter trips then stepped up to 1400m here last time but found Avebury too strong late. Tackles an easier race today so despite jumping up sharply in the weights she should prove very tough to catch. LA PITTRICE (9) contested the same race as Sweet Baby Boom here a fortnight ago but didn't run on after copping a bump at the top of the straight. Draws the perfect gate and with a couple of runs under the belt this prep she should be ready to peak. FAIRWAY STAR (5) was far too good when resuming from a 31-week spell over 1300m at Hawkesbury recently. Needs to raise the bar but she is back in great shape and will enjoy the extra trip. YANKEE HUSSEL (8) has been brought south by Kris Lees after a moderate start to her campaign at Eagle Farm 18 days ago. Second-up form is good so keep her in mind. MOLLY NAILS (3) is an each-way hope off a one-month let-up.
RACE 5 - Promising colt DEAD OF NIGHT (9) made it two in a row when he led all the way to score by a length over the mile at Canberra last start. Big step up today but he is still on the ascendancy and the jockey/stable are both flying high. CONDRIEU (7) was just fair through the line when fifth last time out over 2200m at Warwick Farm. Big winner over a similar trip to this at Newcastle three runs ago. Can bounce back to form in this more suitable contest. MATUSALEM (10) disappointed over a mile at Kembla last time out. Very fit and probably needs this distance now so might be a big improver. Warhorse PHILIPSBURG (1) contests his easiest race for a long while and is well in after the claim. The consistent YET HE MOVES (5) from the Waller stable has been well found in early markets and is sure to be thereabouts.
RACE 6 - GUSTOSISIMO (9) resumed last start with a dominant all-the-way win in an 1100m Hawkesbury maiden. Lightly raced three-year-old who was tested in a stakes race on debut last prep so the stable hold him in high regard. Looks ready to go to the next level. WAIKIKI (4) jumped awkwardly and failed to recover when fresh from a spell a fortnight ago over this trip at Warwick Farm. Scored second-up over 1100m last prep so if she gets away cleanly a top-three finish is on the cards. FLEETWOOD (3) resumes. Opened last prep with a tough win over this trip at Warwick Farm then finished third to Ozzmosis at the latest appearance which is a strong form line. Major player. UNSTOPABULL (12) has only raced twice and has plenty of upside. His latest effort to finish third to Facile reads well. ONE DESTINY (7) first-up is next in line.
RACE 7 - LAVISH EMPIRE (2) was ridden more aggressively from a wide gate last start and battled on just fairly to finish a close sixth over 1200m at Warwick Farm. Draws a better alley today and is cherry ripe after three runs back. Looks a great chance to knock of the short-priced favourite SHADOWS OF LOVE (10) who took a sit and didn't enjoy the clearest passage when just behind the placegetters first-up over 1100m at Warwick Farm. Huge winner second-up at Gosford last prep. Will take plenty of catching with a soft lead anticipated. ITHADTOBEZOU (6) disappointed over 1400m last start at the second run of the prep. Far better placed back to this trip so watch for sharp improvement. DIAMOND MODEL (8) needed the run last time and from gate one can play a big role. CLOUDLAND (4) resumes. Has won 2/3 when fresh and is trialling well so keep him in mind.
