Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - KATIE EXPRESS (7) finds a fairly weak maiden today after stepping out on debut for a tiring fourth at Gundagai over 1100m on November 17. Strips fitter for this and looks like a genuine winning prospect. GOBBO'S MATE (2) raced with mixed success last time in and has a good record at this track and trip. Looked sharp when a recent trial winner at Albury on November 28. Expecting a forward showing. SHERUT AVIR (5) best effort to date when returned from a spell with a close-up fourth over 1000m at this track on November 6. Further improved and looks to have genuine top-three claims. SOO KISS ME (8) is a filly by Sooboog out of Private Kiss on debut for the Donna Scott yard. Showed enough in a recent trial at Benalla over 1000m on November 13. Claim helps and not to be underestimated.
RACE 2 - IMPOSING TALLULAH (2) solid debut when taken to the front before collared late when a nose second over 1175m at Albury on November 10. Looks to have a stack of upside and can go one better today. GULF OF FINLAND (5) Victorian-trained gelding having first run this region. At his peak now fourth-up and not a bad effort at the latest when fourth over 1200m at Kilmore on November 26. Has genuine prospects. SATELLITE VENTURE (9) gets some weight relief with the claim and better run at the latest when fifth over 1350m at Donald on November 19. Can run into the minor money. CHIHUAHUA (4) has been in the market but missed the frame at her last two starts, the latest when fifth over 1050m at Wycheproof. Can feature here.
RACE 3 - JUST LIKE LIAM (1) starting to hit his straps this time in, winning two of his last three starts. Stalked the speed and cleared out for a slick 5.5 len win over 1400m at Albury on November 28. Backs-up quickly and should handle the rise in weight. Go close. PERSIAN DANCER (7) mare in form with a good record this track and trip. Chased hard with the 57kg when a gritty third last time out over 1400m at Gundagai. Wide gate no help but look for her late. BLAZING ZONE (5) tough old gelding who scored a gritty victory here at the latest over 1300m on November 6. Confidence will be high and is not to be underestimated. ALBERT'S MELODY (4) has struggled of late and go on run three back over 1300m here on November 6. Maps well and out to his right trip here.
RACE 4 - LESCOT (5) Victorian-trained gelding building a tidy win record. Has won two of his last four starts and was not far away again when a head second over 1203m at Kyneton on November 20. This is his pet distance and looks better than these. ADRETT (11) has been up for some time and is due for a change of luck. Back in trip and hit the line late when fourth over 1112m at Geelong on November 11. Wide gate no help but has the right figures to play a leading role. SOLVERE (1) is stepping out at this circuit for the first time. Last appeared when he scored over 1200m at Hay on November 25. Impressive win last start and is in the mix again. DEPLOY AND DESTROY (2) ran well below his best last time out but is drawn well here and can bounce.
RACE 5 - COUNT NICHOLAS (5) consistent gelding who brings solid figures here. Scored a strong on-speed win two back over this trip, and backs up quickly after catching the eye late when fourth over 1000m at Tatura on November 25. Gets the right run and will take holding out. COMMANDS SUCCESS (7) returns from a layoff of four-and-a-half months and raced in stronger company last time in. Undefeated first-up and goes well this trip. MOJO MUSIC (4) has a tidy record at this course and best wins have come over this trip. Go on win four back at Leeton when assessing his prospects. REWARD THA MASTER (10) resumes and has won fresh up before. In the mix.
RACE 6 - INDIRA (13) promising filly due for a change of luck. Has finished runner-up at her last two outings and Danny Beasley keeps the ride out to the 1400m. No excuses today. THE PARTING GLASS (12) fitter after two runs back and this looks easier after struggling when seventh last time out over 1203m at Kyneton two weeks ago. Extra trip suits and the run two back was full of merit. MISTER FAIRBANKS (3) best performance in ten starts when battled home late to secure third over 1400m at Pakenham on November 4. A repeat of the latest can see him play a leading role. MISS WHITE (9) hard fit for this and far from disgraced at the latest when 2.6 lens seventh over 1400m at Gundagai on November 18. Maps well and can run into the minor money.
RACE 7 - GIN O'CLOCK (1) former UK import fitter after two Australian starts. Expecting more here out to the mile after disappointing when tenth over 1400m at Ballarat on November 23. Gets the blinkers on and sharp improvement is expected. YOU BETCHA WOO (5) racing in a rich vein of form and maps well today. Taken back from the wide gate when a fast finishing second over 1600m at Swan Hill on November 26. Looks like a genuine contender. OVERRUN (8) was in the money two starts back at Albury and no luck from the wide draw at the latest when tenth over 1590m at Wodonga on November 24. Look for a better showing here. TALLINGAS PRINCE (4) is second-up and could improve into a placing here.
