Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - FIRST PLATOON (2) has found the maiden win elusive but has gone close to striking through in both of his runs back. Goes well at this journey and is drawn favourably. Ready to shed the tag. IMPOSING TALLULAH (3) is a Reward For Effort filly stepping out on debut for Donna Scott. Has shown positive signs at the trials and is drawn to get the gun run from the inside gate. Worth serious thought, especially if the market agrees. KERMA ART (4) resumes. Was thereabouts in his debut effort at Wagga before running in two better races. Gets in well at the weights with the 2kg claimer engaged. Can give this a shake. MAJESTIC AFFAIR (8) showed good early dash when resuming last start and held on well to finish third at Corowa. Likely improver that warrants safe keeping.
RACE 2 - MOOSHAKA (2) was a handy winner when resuming on her home track, before producing a solid chasing effort into third at Canberra. No tougher this time and this looks well within her grasp. TOUGH JAMES (3) is yet to break through this time in but has come through a few handy form races. Hasn't saluted in a long time but is drawn well and only needs to hold his form to be competitive. FIFTY CARATS (6) resumes. Was last seen back in May when holding onto a narrow victory at Nowra. Rates highly on best figures and is expected to make her presence felt fresh. HONEYSUCKLE CHOICE (1) also returns and usually goes well fresh. In the mix.
RACE 3 - DIESEL (4) progressed through his grades sharply last time in after kicking of the prep with an impressive win here in a tougher grade. Strips fitter for a recent trial placing in readiness. Expected to make a bright return. UNIQUE PRINCE (2) has returned in solid order this prep but is yet to strike through. Open to further improvement at this stage of the prep. One of the key chances. FOX APPEAL (3) is ticking along nicely this prep and doesn't have to improve much to see himself right in the thick of it again. MR METRICS (5) didn't give his rivals a sniff here last time out in a dominant front running performance. Carries more weight this time but is a winning hope. CUFFE'S GRANGE (6) next best.
RACE 4 - AMEGDUL (1) progressed nicely second up when chasing solidly into the placings at Seymour, beaten just over a length. Improvement in store so a big run is on the cards. SIZZLING CAT (8) resumes. Is yet to score fresh but did produce figures last time in that put him right in the finish this time. Boasts two wins at this venue and gets in light at the weights with the 2kg claimer engaged. Can give this a big shake. NORTHERNERO (2) failed to fire a shot last time out after a gutsy win two runs back. Shoulders a terrific record at this track and is drawn to get a soft run. Willing to forgive. PROPHET'S PRIDE (4) returned in great order two back at Canberra but struggled to follow it up at the latest. Can bounce back third up.
RACE 5 - IRISH CONSORT (1) makes his stable debut for Daniel McCarthy off a quick freshen. Gave a great sight last time at Bendigo before fading late, only beaten 2.5L. Interesting to note that the blinkers go on first time. Could prove the winning touch. MISS WHITE (12) never looked likely here at the latest when settling a mile back but did manage to warm nicely to her task late and make some in-roads. Needs to improve but is worth considering from an inside alley. DROPS FROM THE SKY (7) resumes and looks best of the rest. LETME ENTERTAINYOU (14) is a Hellbent filly stepping out on debut for the Donnelly stable and strips fitter for a recent trial here in readiness. Bright start won't shock.
RACE 6 - ASGARDA (3) was far from disgraced last time at Wagga when falling just shy of the minors, only beaten 1.7L. Ticking along nicely this time in and only needs to hold her form to be playing a major role. Leading player. ABSEILER (2) stalked the pace well when resuming at Seymour off a long break but just lacked a turn of foot at the business end. Draws to get a soft run from the inside alley and is sure to have come on from the hit out. Main danger. MISS ATHENA (7) battled away gamely into the minors when resuming at Wagga. Has run well second up in the past without winning. Expected to make her presence felt. REMIGIUS (4) next best.
RACE 7 - MOTORACE (15) progressed nicely in his second start when charging hard to just miss at Wagga. Cherry-ripe now and key to note that blinkers go on first time. Expect him to be taking the strongest strides late. PHOTO MAN (12) has been thereabouts in his debut prep but is yet to land the winning blow. Was beaten narrowly last time in Wagga. Can go one better. BARBARAN (3) drops back to a winning trip and gets a key booking of Danny Beasley from a low draw. In the mix. OVERRUN (5) has been below her best in her two runs back but boasts best figures that measure up nicely. Can turn things around third up.
RACE 8 - DALHARRY (9) hit the ground running at Wodonga on debut when leading all the way to score. Promising type who can measure up again. SOUTHERN FIRE (7) did very well to fill a minor placing when resuming at Mornington but raced below expectations last time. Drops back to a preferred trip and can bounce back. BLUEGRASS BIJOUX (12) improved sharply here second up when running into the placings. Open to further improvement third up and is among the key chances. IMA GURU (6) resumes and usually goes well fresh. Best of the rest.
