Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - TANE TOA (4) showed good early toe here last start, only to be swamped late and finish fourth. Has been good in his two runs back and should be nearing his peak now. Leading player. NOORTOOMANY (9) wasn't far away here last start when coming within a length of the winner. Ready to go one better. WYES TRIER (6) resumes. Showed some positive signs in his debut prep but just struggled to put a full race together. Expected to have improved during the break. In the mix. TONIGHTS THE NIGHT (10) best of the rest.
RACE 2 - HOTFOOTIT (4) has found the maiden win elusive but it certainly hasn't been without trying. Has been thereabouts this time in and looks ready to go on with it now. MY BOY JETT (2) was well below his best here last start when sent out favourite but did pull up with excuses. Has run well over this track and trip without winning. Sharp improvement anticipated. SHIPWRECK (3) was in the money two back at this track but couldn't back it up last time. Rates highly on best efforts and is drawn kindly. In the mix. BEACH STREET (8) continues to knock on the door but just struggles to break through. Sticky alley to contest but warrants respect.
RACE 3 - CELERITATE REGEM (5) did a good job to score here three back and has since followed it up with two solid displays. Ticking along nicely and only needs to hold his form to be very competitive. JONQUEST (2) has struggled to threaten of late but should find this easier. Drawn wide, so is expected to be doing his best work late. KUBLAI (1) resumes. Showed promising signs in his debut prep, particularly fresh. Strips fitter for two soft trials in readiness but will need some luck from the wide alley. ROCK HARD (3) has been well below his best in the last two when tackling a tougher grade. Worth keeping safe on best efforts.
RACE 4 - NASDANA (7) picked up well in the run home to hit the line nicely for a midfield finish. Not much tougher this time and gets a key jockey switch to Kayla Crowther. Bold showing anticipated. ISA SECRET (2) was a handy winner here three back and then produced an eye-catching finish last time when getting in the frame. Inside alley should see her settle much closer to the action this time. Can give this a big shake. EVENING BRIDE (1) progressed nicely last start here when coming from well back to only just miss out. Hasn't won for a long time but isn't out of this. DANTELA (3) next best.
RACE 5 - STRAWBERRY SWING (6) kicked off her prep in fine style here when scoring and has been ticking along nicely since. Chased gamely to the line behind Jaazeb here last start when sent out favourite but now meets the winner with a 3kg weight swing in her favour. Has enough early dash to offset the wide alley. Will be giving backers a bold sight. JAAZEB (2) didn't give his rivals a sniff here last start when leading pillar-to-post. Similar assignment but carries more weight. ARTFUL AMBITION (4) is yet to miss the frame this time in. Dug deep to get the verdict here last start and bring up his second win of the prep. Not that much tougher this. Right in the in the mix. LUNAR HERO (1) resumes. Usually needs to put a run under his belt before hitting his straps but he's got good early toe and is drawn to advantage. Don't dismiss.
RACE 6 - PRESCIENT (7) made light work of his rivals last start in a smart front-running display. Tougher this time but a similar effort will have him right in the thick of it. MESSERSCHMITT (1) is a fellow last-start winner but did it at the other end of the candle, rattling home from a rearward position to score. Will appreciate the anticipated tempo and is expected to be getting involved late. SIR TOOP (8) has hit the line nicely in both runs back. Drawn to get a cosy run from the inside pillar and is a likely improver. Among the contenders. HE'S ABEL (5) next best.
RACE 7 - MCCAIN (2) rarely finishes far away from the action. Has hit the line nicely in his last two and should appreciate stepping out the extra 100m this time. Drawn wide but watch for him taking the strongest strides late. I NEED A DRINK (3) kicked off his prep in great style by scoring two on the bounce. Has since struggled to go on with it but gets some good weight off his back now with the slight rise in grade. Unbeaten over this track and trip. Sure to be very competitive. AHSO (4) knuckled down strongly in the run home here last start to get the verdict. Drawn better and gets weight relief. Has to go up a rung or two but there's no reason he can't. SINO WITNESS (6) deserves consideration on the back of his handy win here two back. Worth including.
