Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HEAD OF THE HERD (4) was safely held when sixth last start over 1400m at Warwick Farm, beaten 3 lengths after being in the firing line on the bend. That followed a good first-up win at the Beaumont track. Finds an easier assignment and can rediscover winning form with the blinkers going on. REGATTA (6) was too good for a maiden field last start over 1280m at Muswellbrook, scoring by a long neck. Sparingly raced and has more to offer. Can go right on with the job now. SMART ACTION (1) turned in a nice effort to score two runs ago at Newcastle. Not as effective last time out when sixth over 1600m at Kembla Grange, beaten 5.5 lengths. Best figures measure up so worth another chance. JAEX (5) doesn't boast the best winning strike rate but ran a strong race last time out, finishing second and beaten only 1.5 lengths over 1250m at Canterbury. Looks well placed so expect a bold display. DONEGAL LIGHTS (7) was a shade disappointing last start but his best form is certainly good enough.
RACE 2 - ZOUKEEPER (5) was out of the money when resuming two runs back then again missed the frame last start over 1400m at Newcastle, beaten 3 lengths into fourth after being prominent at the bend. Has his share of ability and looks hard to beat in this suitable race. WILD CANARY (4) led for home and gave a great sight last start over 1500m at this track, beaten just 0.9 lengths into fifth in a game display. Should lead again out of the inside gate and will take some catching. PRINCE OF ARENDELL (10) didn't do much first-up at Kembla but can improve.
RACE 3 - BATTLEFIELD (3) resumes from a spell of four-and-a-half months and is having his outing under new trainer Matthew Vella. Finished fifth at Canterbury over 1250m at the opening run last time in work. Ran fourth in a trial at Randwick over 1050m recently. Can make his presence felt following a gelding op and with blinkers on for the first time. SCISSOR ME TIMBERS (1) made an encouraging debut last time out, finishing a head from the winner in second over 900m at Albury. Likely improver who looks a major player. SHE'S ALL IT (9) missed the kick and did a good job thereafter on debut last start over 1100m at Bathurst, finishing third and beaten 1.75 lengths. Leading player with plenty of improvement in store. Some first starters create interest, notably MONTE SUPREME (8) who has trialled well twice recently in preparation for this, and ANOTHER FORTUNE (2) who won his only trial recently at Hawkesbury.
RACE 4 - LONE FORCE (8) progressed nicely last time out to finish just a neck from the winner in third over 1300m at Kembla, making up good late ground. Lightly raced colt who is heading the right way and he should figure in the finish. MIDNIGHT AFFAIR (13) is a two-start maiden who finished fourth, beaten 3 lengths, when resuming from a spell last start over 1200m at Gosford. Fitter and capable of taking this out. LITTLE COINTREAU (4) resumes from a spell of five-and-a-half months. Looked close to a win before that break, finishing off with a minor placing over 1400m at Nowra. Good effort to open last prep when in the money at Kembla over this trip. One of the better hopes. ABUSE OF POWER (1) just missed first-up here at this trip. Big chance again from an ideal draw.
RACE 5 - YOUTHFULL (4) raced three deep without cover last time when sixth over 1800m at Rosehill, beaten over 6 lengths at the second run of the prep. Has never fired second-up so that effort must be overlooked. Ready to peak now out to this trip. GENETIC FREAK (5) has recently experienced varying fortunes. Failed to complete the course at Canterbury last time out which was after a solid second over 1600m at Gosford the run before. Cannot be written off. FUTTAIM (3) was out of the money two runs back when fresh from a spell then made a little late ground last start over 1500m at Rosehill, beaten 3.5 lengths into eighth. Is one-for-one when third-up and needs this trip now so worth considering. YARRAWONGA (1) is first-up over 2000m but don't doubt Waterhouse/Bott.
RACE 6 - Race complexion has changed substantially after raceday scratchings. MISTY LEGEND (6) is back from a spell of four months and does go well when fresh, including a win to launch last campaign over 900m at Newcastle. Fitter for a recent trial win at Randwick. Has been gelded over the break and makes plenty of appeal. Hard to beat. ROMEO'S CHOICE (5) is back from a five-month lay-off. Consistent gelding with 3/4 placings at this distance. Each-way hope. LINGUEE (15) shapes as a main beneficiary of mass scratchings and now profiles as an each way hope.
RACE 7 - WORLD ALLIANCE (2) returned from a break last start and drifted well back before closing powerfully to score over 1150m at the Beaumont circuit, getting home by a head. That made it two wins from as many starts. Has his share of weight but will be tough to stop again. INNERVOICE (16) wound up strongly only to just miss last start over 1250m at Taree. Should be near her peak for this at the third run of the campaign. Beautifully in at the weights and is sure to make her presence felt. STRUFF (8) made it five top-three finishes from five runs this prep when edged out over 1200m at Wyong three weeks ago. Won here at this trip two back. Right in contention. PENCILED (6) is fitter for a last start third at Wyong. Genuine gelding with each-way claims.
