Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SEMPER FORTIS (1) impressed winning a strong form race at Wagga first-up over a mile. Missed a nose at Orange following when up quickly to the middle distance. Will race forward from an inside barrier and Cahill sticking aboard is a lead. Fitter and is the one to beat. URJUWAAN (7) placed here this grade her latest and draws the rail again. The scratchings bring her into it. WONDER BRAHMA (3) got a soft lead at Goulburn and belted the 50 graders by 4.7L over a mile. Has weight relief and no reason to think at the local won't run the middle distance right out. BANDOLERO (4) hasn't been far away his last two in the NSW country. Has a small claim and is in the mix as well.
RACE 2 - Tricky. DISCREET AFFAIR (10) placed here first up over this distance well bet and can build on that. Should find the speed okay from the awkward gate and gets the nod. I'M BRAZILIAN (2) improved again beaten a half-length at Newcastle in stronger over this trip. Runs along and Martin replaces the apprentice. Hard fit and is feared. TO DICE FOR (8) debuts for a canny local barn and the recent trial here over this journey was good. Hennessy sticks from that and she draws inside. Keep very safe. VICTORY IS SWEET (9) debuts for a strong Canberra yard with Ward aboard. Is likely better than the trial finish suggests and could pop up at odds.
RACE 3 - GORGEOUS PROPHET (4) spiked her figures taking out the 50 here 3 weeks ago. Has a 3kg claim today and a handy gate and will get every chance to go on. TIZ WAR BRO (10) led and was better here at his latest and the local can pop up when least expected. Fitter and can get into the finish. PINK PANTHER (2) resumes and we will see him over further. The local usually needs a run but is in well with the 2kg claim and this isn't overly strong. Keep onside. BIG STEVE (8) always puts in and has a handy barrier. Not without a hope if things go his way.
RACE 4 - SINGLE ATTRACTION (8) is a local who hits this at peak. She races forward and the first-up near-miss at Moruya reads particularly well for this contest. Gets a senior hoop today and won't get a better chance. ASK THE WIFE (4) debuts and just missed in a recent trial at Kembla Grange. Freeman is booked and is riding well. KERMANDO (2) is a local on debut and has trialled well. Has a handy barrier and expect him to feature. BERYL MINE (6) made good improvement at Gundagai and can build on that. Has a low gate and small claim and races at home.
RACE 5 - Competitive. SKEPTICISM (7) has switched from a Victorian barn on a 106-day return. Didn't come up last preparation but showed plenty early doors including fresh. Has a 2kg claim and will be tough to beat if presented on song. SHE'S JESSIE (6) missed a nose second-up in a Canberra 45. She has more to give and is on a 9-day return. Freeman is riding well and goes on for the 4kg apprentice. Will race forward and should go close. CONTANTI (3) was only beaten 1L in a CL1 at Gundagai and he keeps improving. Is ready to win but he's likely to get back from the rails gate and that's the niggle. NOBLE SERENADE (8) went close at the Sapphire Coast and then didn't get into it at Kembla Grange and has trialled since. A much better effort is anticipated.
RACE 6 - RED REDEMPTION (8) was narrowly beaten here this trip in a return to his best form. He will enjoy a soft run from the paint and can go on with it now. ENCANTADO (1) resumed further improved when beaten a whisker at Canberra, but has proved a handful at the start since. Was a late scratching on 13 November when found to have an issue. Comes off a 42-day freshened with the winkers applied the first time. Good enough but trust is required. LUNA ANGEL (5) didn't run it out at Gundagai but was nudged out here prior at the mile. Drops back to a sprint but can't be ruled out. PROUD GEORGE (3) is in good local hands and needed the first-up outing. Will race forward and should be much more competitive over the longer sprint.
RACE 7 - CHIPSTAR (7) won in the bush and then delivered easily here 3 weeks ago. He is a decent hope holding that form. WANDJINA GAL (9) didn't run out the mile here in a CL1 but was good winning the Maiden prior at this track/trip. Uses the rail and Cahill goes on. A bounce is on the cards. HOWGOODISVEGAS (5) peaks off the nose defeat at Canberra in a 45. That reads well but she will need some luck pushing forward from the outside barrier. DIAMOND FLYER (3) is hard to catch but is back in grade and he'd be a live hope putting hi best foot forward.
