Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - SPEEDY NOVA (4) bounced back last time out with a solid effort over 1100m at Geraldton, finishing just 2.3L off the winner. She's been close on a number of occasions and dropping back to this trip may hold the key. Nicely placed and can shed the maiden tag today. FLICK THE SWITCH (8) returned with a good effort over 1100m here, sticking on to finish 4.2L off the winner. The blinkers go on for the first time and Martinan takes 2kg off with the claim. Has good early speed and can make her presence felt. THE GOOD HARV (3) jumped a $3.70 chance on debut after winning a Lark Hill trial win prior. He's looked good in a trial since that effort and back to this trip may suit. Expecting a much better effort this time. OFCOURSE SHE HAS (7) will find this easier than recent races and can be right in the finish. ROSENTREA (6) isn't without a chance.
RACE 2 - GOOD SONG (2) led them up here first-up and was no match for the winner, ending up 2.1L off the winner. He's had a few goes now, but he's returned in good order and he's placed 2/3 second-up. Further improvement is expected now and he can shed the maiden tag. GREAT DEAL (5) ran on well last time out finishing 3.8L off the winner at just his second outing. He remains at this track and trip and drawing further off the looks ideal. Likely to play a major role. PRINCE VICTORY (4) sat close to the speed and ended up tiring badly, finishing out the back over 1100m here last time out. The best run of his campaign came over 1240m here just three starts ago. Better than he showed last start and can improve. ONE ABOVE ALL (6) jumped a $4.40 chance on debut and was put away after a disappointing effort. Fitter for two trials coming and he merits respect. THE MIGHTY BUTCH (1) won't be far away.
RACE 3 - CATCH THESE HANDS (3) wasn't disgraced when always out the back at Ascot most recently, but he was only 3.2L away at the finish. He's never missed the placings at this course and although he's not winning, he's been thereabouts in tough races The drop back to this level looks ideal and he can return to the winner's stall. THE SPRUIKER (1) was always last and never looked likely over 1400m at Ascot and is now on the quick back up today. He'll be closer from a better alley today and his figures two back stack right up to winning this race. Lively contender. HENRY THE AVIATOR (6) went under narrowly as favourite over 1230m here last start and steps out to this trip for the first time. His racing pattern suggests the rise in trip isn't an issue and he'll be favoured by the inside alley. Key player. BELGRANO BELLE (2) draws nicely and can run a big race first-up. BENTLEY BEAU (5) was solid on debut and has placed 2/3 this track and trip. Include.
RACE 4 - DIVINE MERCY (2) sat up on the speed over 1940m here last time out and only tired late, beaten 2L at the finish. Now third-up where he's never missed the placings and out to a favourable trip. Right up to his best last start and with further improvement expected, it's ominous signs for his rivals. DEADLY AND FAST (3) never got into the race over 1800m at Ascot last time out after a dominant win over 1900m here the start prior. Out to this trip looks ideal and the wide draw isn't an issue. Can be finishing off strongly once again. THE ROAN RANGER (5) missed as favourite last time out, finishing 4.2L off the winner in an Open event over this course and distance. He's 34 days between runs, but he has raced well on the fresh side previously. Will be winding up strongly late. DOUBLE THUMBS UP (1) stormed over the top to win last time out and merits plenty of respect. KNENTII (9) is in the mix on best form.
RACE 5 - FLASH DUCATI (1) has been disappointing in tougher races in town lately, but the form out of those has stood up very well. Now back to country grade and into a Cl2, he can get back to something like his best. Was racing well earlier this campaign and that level would see him getting the job done. URBAN WARRIOR (6) was a big winner at Pingrup and backed up that effort over this course and distance last time out, running on well to be beaten 2.7L. He mightn't be as far back this time from a slightly better alley and is he can produce a similar finishing burst, he'll be right in the finish. PUNTERS PILOT (2) has been good his past couple over 1500m here and stretches to the mile for just the second time. He was very good in his only try at this track and trip and he's run better figures since. Going well and should get every chance. SAFE RAPPA (3) just missed last start and now rises in trip again. Include. FEELS HOT (8) is better than he's shown his past couple. Keep safe.
RACE 6 - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (2) resumes today and will be fitter for two Lark Hill trials coming in. His form in Victoria holds up well in this event and he has won over this trip and has won first-up previously. Can be handy from the draw and will take plenty of beating. SONG STORY (4) ended his last campaign in disappointing fashion at Mt Barker and resumes without a public trial. The wide draw is a concern, but his best efforts have come over this course and distance. He's the main danger. KING HALLOWELL (7) had been well beaten his past couple after a narrow win over 1000m here three starts ago. Galati has never missed the placings when partnering the gelding and he should be right in the finish. OUR GIRL BORAM (8) hasn't been far away her last few and is not to be discounted. BERRY BERRY GOOD (5) is better than he showed last time out and can bounce back.
RACE 7 - I DREAMED A DREAM (10) hasn't been sighted for 96 days since a 2.7L defeat over 1500m here. He drops back in trip off a freshen, but draws beautifully and gets 2kg off with the in-form Mahony in the saddle. Can be handy in the run and appears the one to beat. PRO IS HERE (1) faded out of contention over 1500m here last time out but he was in much better form prior to that. He has the pace to burn across from the outside draw and he should be in this for a very long way. STAR IN TIME (8) just missed last time out and gets the blinkers off today with the Visors going on first time. In very good form his past few efforts and she rates highly in this field. Will make her presence felt. GAGE ROADS (4) wasn't far away last time out after a good first-up run over this course and distance fresh. Lively candidate. LINDEN'S GOLD (2) is better than what he showed first-up and has plenty of upside. Keep safe.
