Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - ROMI (10) third-up today and returned to form at latest when a tough on-pace third over 1030m at Grafton on June 8. Will go forward again from the inside gate and prove hard to run down. Can get off the mark at start nine. BUN IN THE OVEN (5) strengthened up over the break and her two runs back have been full of merit. Can go one better today after pushing forward from the sticky gate when second over 1012m at Coffs Harbour on June 14. Has the right figures to take this out. RODEO DEALER (2) turned in best performance in three career runs when resumed with a gritty on-pace second over 1000m at Kempsey on June 20. Look for him doing his best work late. HUDSON'S LENNY (1) mixing his form and go on his sound third two-back at Armidale when assessing his prospects. Can sneak into the minor money.
RACE 2 - ALAKAI SWAMP (7) turned in a strong performance first-up at the Sunshine Coast then failed to handle the rise in grade when sixth over 1200m at Ipswich on June 7. Fitter now and can return to form in this easier contest. COOL FIZZ (8) racing in a rich vein of form and finally draws a decent gate today. Stalked the speed with the 58kg when a narrow second over 1012m at Coffs Harbour on June 14. Maps well and no excuses in this grade. LADY TULESSA (2) chased gamely into the placings last time and should be nearing her peak now on the short turnaround. Right in this. FIRE KIRIN (4) is also fitter and is worth considering.
RACE 3 - DRAKE PASSAGE (13) not suited on the Gold Coast poly at his last three runs and is open to improvement fourth-up on this surface. Can improve sharply. I'MTIMMYZOU (14) back in trip with the big weight when a wilting ninth over 1735m at Grafton. Go on run two back when a narrow second over 2020m at Murwillumbah. Top hope on best figures. CHAMPAGNES ON ME (8) knuckled down gamely in the lane last start to get the verdict. Plenty to like about that win and she can repeat the dose. Fellow last start winner KOOLATAH (2) also holds appeal and needs to be included.
RACE 4 - CLUBHOUSE (9) twelve-start maiden due for a change of luck. Came across from the wide gate and gave his all when a tiring second over 1410m at Lismore on June 18. On the quick back-up and has genuine top-three claims. FAMILY BONDING (19) never comfortable in the heavy (8) going when sixth over 1200m at Murwillumbah on June 10. Earlier efforts were okay and desperate for a firmer track. TOSEN DREAMER (8) was far from her best when resuming last start at Lismore. Willing to forgive on best efforts and is worth including. DAZZLING ROBERT (6) next best.
RACE 5 - BRAVE INSTINCTION (11) only the one win from 20 starts but finds a fairly weak C1 to return to form. Never comfortable on the heavy (10) track when a wilting fifth over 1305m at Coffs Harbour on May 31. Fourth-up here and lone win came over this track and trip. Genuine contender. BOULANGER (9) getting fitter and drops in weight for this after plugging late when fifth over 1435m at Grafton on June 8. Goes well here and reunites with Ben Looker. SEA OF QI (5) has been thereabouts in his two runs back and should be finding his peak third-up. Major danger on best form. BOY LOVES TO RUN (2) next best.
RACE 6 - MAXIMUM VORTEX (4) mixing his form and will relish the sharp drop in grade after finishing a wilting 12th over 1200m in the LR Hinkler Quality at Eagle Farm on June 15. Much better performance two-back when a tough second in this class. Leading apprentice rides with the claim and will take holding out. TECTONIC PLATE (2) classy mare with the good record of five wins from 13 starts. Saves her best for this track and trip and kept fresh after proving too slick for her rivals over 1190m at Grafton six-and-a-half weeks ago. Has the ability to finish over the top of these from the wide gate. CASSIA LANE (6) drop in weight suits as well as the fast tempo anticipated. Warmed up late with the 61.5kg when seventh over 1205m at Grafton on June 8. Looks up to the task. LADY WARDELL (10) next best.
RACE 7 - CASTEL TROSINO (1) having his first run for the Commerford yard and back sharply in grade and trip today. Stretched out in trip when raced on the speed before tiring late to finish fifth over 3080m at Mornington on May 27. Kept fresh for this and did place at Sandown (H) five-back over the 1800m. Look for a sharp improvement back to the mile. KISSED BY EVIE (12) fifth-up for this and having a great prep. Got off the mark second-up before jumping in trip at latest when a fast-finishing second over 1526m at Lismore on June 18. Ready for the trip and look for her late from the sticky gate. TUQIRI (8) returned a much stronger gelding this time in after swooping late second-up when a 1.75 len winner over 1540m at the Gold Coast Poly on June 15. Looks up to this with the 2kg claim. EL ASTEROID (2) in need of the run when resumed with a plodding fifth over 1400m at Gatton on June 11. Has placed second-up and over this trip. Improver.
RACE 8 - WATERMELON (9) looked good three-back when getting off the mark at Eagle Farm over 1400m on May 8. Unsuited when back in trip at latest when a plodding sixth over 1200m at Murwillumbah on June 10. Has a fitness edge over most of these and can play a leading role. IRISH GYPSY (12) went forward from the good gate on debut when a gritty head winner over 1400m at Gatton on June 11. Should get through the going and not to be underestimated. EMBOLDEN (3) returns. Yet to strike fresh but did work well in readiness for this fresh run. Tricky alley to contest but his best form will see him be very competitive. Don't take lightly. DO IT FOR YOU (2) next.
