Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - DAZZLE LEGEND (1) progressive Zoustar gelding who returned for second prep with an encouraging third over 1100m at this track on November 24. Rawiller keeps the ride and looks set to break his maiden status at start five. ICED CHOCOLATE (6) was well in commission on debut when went out hard before tiring late to run fourth over 1100m at this track two weeks ago. Strips much fitter now and expected to be in this for a long way. INVADE AND CONQUER (4) well supported on resumption for second prep when an eye-catching second over 1000m at Kembla Grange on November 18. Fitter now and will relish the extra distance. KICKAMUSHU (9) has a fitness edge over most of these fourth-up. Back in trip and grade when third over 1000m at Sapphire Coast on November 27. Run two back over this track and trip was solid. Stays in the mix.
RACE 2 - COUNTER (1) indicated a win was imminent when he rattled late over this track and trip in stronger company to run second over 1900m on November 17. Rawiller rides tonight and expected to shed his maiden tag. THERMODYNAMIC (4) jumped in trip second-up when a tiring sixth over 1550m at this track on November 17. Much better than that and should have little trouble stepping out to the 1900m. KIRIKAN (10) has been hereabouts of late and has fitness on his side for this. Battled right to the line with the 58kg when fourth over 1550m here on November 24. Looking for this trip now and looks good each-way value. MOUNTAIN TOP (11) improving with racing as she steps out in trip. Sat on the speed and showed plenty of tenacity late when third over 1550m at this track on November 24. Another of the Waller runners with genuine claims.
RACE 3 - HOKUSAI (1) speedy Brave Smash filly from the Waterhouse/Bott yard who strips fitter tonight after resuming with a sound second over 1000m at Hawkesbury on November 23. Has a ton of upside and expected to prove hard to run down. WEZZA (9) is a consistent Rubick filly resuming for her second prep. Finished in the minor money at her last two starts at this track against some handy types. Since fitted with a solid 800m trial placing at Newcastle on November 30. Will take holding out. WATERSKI (11) is third-up tonight and much better effort when ran on late to finish fifth over 1100m at this track on November 17. Look for her late. TO THE EXTREME (8) kept safe in betting on debut when made up good ground late to secure fourth over this track and trip on November 17. Likely to get back again and run on strongly.
RACE 4 - YET HE MOVES (4) scored a well-deserved victory at latest over this course and distance on November 24. Should handle the rise in weight and figure prominently. RING AHOY (5) has a poor win record but a much better effort when up in trip to run third over 1900m at this track on November 24. Close to his peak and not to be underestimated. NEW REPUBLIC (1) back in grade tonight after struggling in the heavy (8) going when eighth over 2000m at Kembla Grange in Bm78 grade on November 25. Goes well this track and trip. NEWFOUNDLAND (3) is A Deep Field gelding making his Australian debut for the Waterhouse/Bott yard. Fitted with two trials after finishing seventh at the Curragh over 3218m on July 1. Betting best guide.
RACE 5 - AFTERLIGHT (2) smart mare starting to hit her straps. Scratched from a tougher race last Saturday to be saved for this. Taken to the front and proved too slick when winning over the 1200m at Warwick Farm on November 23. Expected to go close again from the good gate. TSARINA SOPHIA (4) comes out of a solid race when resumed for a fast-finishing second over 1100m at this track on November 24. Looks to have come back much stronger and maps well. SILENT RAINDROPS (8) going nicely through her grades and deserves a shot here. Strong late when second over 1200m at Warwick Farm on November 22. Don't underestimate. POWER BALLARD (9) second-up tonight after resuming with a slick 0.7 len win at this track over 1100m on November 17. Sure to be thereabouts again.
RACE 6 - MERRY MAC BOY (7) underrated gelding who resumed with a gritty on-speed second over 1100m at Warwick Farm on November 22. Goes just as well second-up and should get the right tempo to finish over the top of these. ANYTHINK GOES (3) will appreciate the drop in grade after resuming with a close-up fifth over 1250m at this track on November 24. Gets the right run again and has impressive second-up figures. Go close. SURFERS ROYALE (9) looks to have matured over the break and going nicely through his grades. Taken to the front and held off all challenges when a gritty winner over 1200m at Newcastle on November 21. Looks a genuine contender. MASTER SHOWMAN (5) returned from a spell with an encouraging fourth over 1100m at this track on November 17. Goes just as well second-up and extra trip suits.
RACE 7 - MONEY FROM THE SKY (4) is an underrated Frankel gelding who resumed for the in-form Sara Ryan yard with a barnstorming long neck victory over 1550m at this track on November 17. Goes even better second-up and can race through his grades this prep. Go close. JUMEIRAH BEACH (9) hard fit now and down in the weights after sticking on well with the 58.5kg when a sound fourth in a small field at this track over 1550m on November 17. Can figure in the minor money. BURNING NEED (8) tough old mare who finished a gallant third two-back in The Four Pillars over the 1500m at Rosehill. Never comfortable in the going when a fading sixth over 1400m at Kembla Grange on November 25. Has each-way claims. SO UNITED (2) gritty on-speed gelding with first-up form. Fitted with two searching trials and has a good record this track and trip.
RACE 8 - GRAND CRUSADER (11) third-up tonight after two mixed efforts in Victoria this prep. Drops in weight and trip after disappointing when seventh at Sandown-Lakeside over 1200m on November 22. Will give them something to catch if anywhere near his best. BORDER CONTROL (8) two runs back have been full of merit and tried hard at the latest with the 59.5kg when second over 1000m at Gosford on November 14. Looks a genuine contender. PRINCE INVINCIBLE (6) consistent gelding resuming for the Sara Ryan yard. Raced well in this company last time in and since fitted with two sound trials. Big market watch. OXFORD VISION (1) nice return when sat on the speed with the 60.5kg for a tough nose victory over 1100m at Hawkesbury on November 23. Goes just as well second-up and gets the right run.
